Santissimo Crocefisso

The Santissimo Crocefisso is a Baroque church in Noto featuring three naves arranged in a Latin cross layout with a floor area of about 1,400 square meters (15,000 square feet). The exterior facade displays two tiers of columns that create a harmonious and balanced composition.

Construction took place between 1715 and 1730 under architect Rosario Gagliardi, replacing an earlier structure destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. The church was part of Noto's reconstruction effort following this devastating event.

The church holds a wooden sculpture of the wounded Christ from the 16th century, positioned in one of the side naves where visitors can view it closely. The vault paintings depict biblical scenes and create a spiritual environment within the interior.

The church is located in Piano Alto, the upper section of Noto, and can be easily reached via the town's stairs and streets. Visitors should remember this is an active place of worship, so respectful behavior is important.

Two Romanesque limestone lions from ancient Noto stand guard at the entrance, originating from an earlier building on the site. Inside, a golden cross created in 1746 by Vincenzo Rotondo catches the light and draws visitors deeper into the space.