58 - Church of the Crucifix

Designed and painted by Carlo Rosa

Audio Guide Transcript

Situated on the eastern edge of the city, the Church of the Crucifix was consecrated in 1671 and remains a significant historical landmark.

The layout follows a Greek cross plan, with a majestic central dome supported by spherical pendentives and barrel vaults covering each of the four arms.

The entrance is framed by a voluted pediment in the Baroque style, while the upper section of the façade features delicate pilasters whose capitals support a closing arch. A classical-style window with a tympanum at the center adds further elegance to the composition. To the south stands the bell tower—a square structure with two belfries and a pyramidal roof. The design of the vaulting system recalls the dry-stone construction techniques of Apulian trulli.

The focal point is the soaring dome, frescoed in 1703 with a dramatic Triumph of the Cross. The remaining frescoes, attributed to Carlo Rosa and his workshop, depict scenes from the Old Testament. On the counterfaçade, visitors can admire depictions of the prophet Jonah and the martyrdom of Isaiah.

The Chapel of Saint Martin now houses a 20th-century painting. Even the drum and the spandrels between the arches and dome are richly frescoed.

The main altar is a masterpiece of decorative art, crafted from rare and precious marbles, beautifully blended into a refined tapestry of color.

The hand-painted majolica tile floor dates back to the 1860s.

Once surrounded by open countryside, the church was gradually absorbed into the expanding city. Since 1975, it has served as a parish church, affirming its central role in the community's religious life.

Use the map to explore

1 - Gentile’s Palace

2 - Church of Saint Francis of Paola

3 - De Marinis Palace

4 - Ventafridda Palace

5 - Chapel of Saint Matthew

6 - Pannone–Ferrara Palace

7 - Tommaso Traetta Theater

8 - Angevin Tower

9 - De Ferraris–Regna Palace

10 - Church of Saint Gaetano

11 - Sylos–Calò Palace

12 - Girolamo and Rosaria Devanna National Gallery

13 - Church of the Souls in Purgatory

14 - Scaraggi–Labini Palace

15 - Santorelli Palace

16 - Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

17 - Convent and Cloister of Saint Francis of Assisi

18 - Diocesan Museum and Hanging Gardens

19 - Bove Chapel – Saint Mary of Compassion

20 - Bove Palace

21 - Chapel of Saint Anne and the Council Hall of the Nobles

22 - Rogadeo Palace

23 - Planelli–Sylos Palace

24 - Vulpano–Sylos Palace

25 - Bove–Planelli–Tèrmite Palace

26 - Church of Saint Dominic

27 - Chapel of the Mysteries

28 - Gentile – Labini – Sylos Palace

29 - Church of Saint Teresa

30 - Carmine Sylos Classical High School

31 - Old Church of Saint Leucius

32 - Franco–Spinelli–Regna Palace

33 - Giannone–Alitti Palace

34 - Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary

35 - Crypt of the Cathedral

36 - Early Christian Substructure of the Cathedral

37 - Church of Saint Nicholas of the Hospital

38 - De Lerma Palace

39 - Church of Saint Sylvester

40 - Monastery of Saint Mary of the Virgins

41 - Barone – Gentile – Sisto Palace

42 - Albuquerque Palace

43 - Church of Saint Valentine

44 - Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

45 - Francesco Spinelli School of Drawing

46 - Cioffrese Palace

47 - Chapel of the De Ìlderis Family and Agèra Gallery

48 - Battle Academy Museum

49 - Church and Cloister of Saint Peter the New

50 - Sylos–Sersale Palace

51 - Church of Saint George

52 - “Spazi della Memoria” Museum

53 - Church of the Annunciation

54 - “De Palo – Ungaro” Archaeological Museum

55 - Nicola Fornelli School Building

56 - Church of Saint Vitus

57 - Convent of Saint Leo the Great

58 - Church of the Crucifix

59 - Church of Mary Most Holy of the Immaculate Conception

60 - Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

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