The Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso (Most Holy Crucifix) in Noto is one of the richest religious buildings in the city. Second in size only to the Cathedral, it dominates the so-called Piano Alto, the upper part of Noto. Inside are preserved: a golden cross made in the 18th century, a splendid statue of the Madonna of the Snow by Francesco Laurana and a Holy Thorn from the crown of Christ..
The history of the Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso of Noto
La progettazione della Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso di Noto è attribuita all’architetto Rosario Gagliardi. I lavori per la sua costruzione sono avvenuti in fasi successive tra il 1715 e il 1730. Anche nell’antica città di Netum esisteva una chiesa del Crocifisso, andata però completamente distrutta durante il terremoto del 1693. Era conosciuta anche come Santa Maria del Castello perché sorgeva a poca distanza dal Castello che difendeva l’accesso alla città. Questa chiesa era oggetto di un’attenzione particolare perché, al suo interno, era custodita un’antica immagine del Crocifisso dipinta su tavola, che la tradizione attribuiva all’evangelista Luca. Il dipinto era considerato miracoloso e, per questo, molto frequentato da pellegrini provenienti da ogni parte della Sicilia. Dalle macerie sono stati recuperati solo il volto e alcuni frammenti del torace e sono oggi esposti all’interno della nuova chiesa. La sera del 13 febbraio 1880 la cupola della chiesa è crollata. In quell’occasione si sono persi alcuni affreschi di Costantino Carasi e parte delle decorazioni in stucco di Gianforma.
Architecture of the Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso of Noto
With an area of about 1,400 square meters, the Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso of Noto is second in size only to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The façade has two orders after the third, added in the 1950s but left unfinished, was later demolished. In its place there is now a triangular pediment that reinforces the symmetry of the whole building. The cornice, which separates the two different orders, has no columns, only pilasters and capitals. The capitals of the first order have an Ionic imprint, while those of the second order are of a composite type. The second order has three openings accompanied by balustrades. The central one is bricked and decorated with volutes. The two lateral openings are surmounted by round arches.
The interior and the works of art in the church
The interior of the Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso of Noto has the shape of a Latin cross with three naves. In the left nave there is the large Landolina Chapel, finely decorated with stucco and frescoes. Here, inside a golden shrine, a thorn of Christ’s crown is preserved. In the area of the apse it is possible to admire a golden cross made in 1746 by Vincenzo Rotondo after designs by Gagliardi. In the chapel on the right of the transept is the most important work of art in the church. It is the statue of Our Lady of the Snow, sculpted by Francesco Laurana in 1471. Also worthy of mention is the statue of Cristo Piagato, a wooden sculpture dating back to the 16th century. The paintings on the vault of the nave are the work of Costantino Carasi. They represent: the Creation, the Glory of the Cross and the Baptism of the Eunuch of Queen Candice. On either side of the entrance door are two Romanesque limestone lions from the ancient church of Noto Antica.
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