Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso, Baroque church in Bitonto, Italy
The chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso is a baroque church in Bitonto with a Greek cross layout, three entrance doors, and a facade arranged in two distinct registers. The lower section features classical Doric pilasters while the upper portion displays Ionic columns and baroque ornamental details.
The church was founded in 1664 under Bishop Alessandro Crescenzi, with architect Carlo Rosa and his students designing the building. Construction followed the site of an older shrine where people had long gathered to leave votive offerings and prayers.
This church has served as a focal point for devotion in Bitonto for centuries, where worshippers gather to venerate different saints and pray before the crucifix at the center. The name refers directly to the Cross, which remains the spiritual heart of the community's faith life.
The church opens for religious services at varying times throughout the year, with different mass schedules on weekdays and multiple services on festive days. Visitors should expect changing schedules and check local information before planning a visit.
Before the baroque church stood an older shrine containing a fresco of the Crucifixion that visitors considered miraculous. This ancient image drew many pilgrims who adorned the fresco with countless votive gifts and prayers.
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