Santissimo Crocifisso Olmo, Religious monument in Mazzarino, Italy.
Santissimo Crocifisso Olmo is a church in Mazzarino with three naves, where the main altar displays a wooden crucifix and side altars are decorated with religious paintings. The interior follows a traditional layout with the crucifix as the focal point of worship.
The church was built in 1756 on the site of an earlier Norman structure from the 10th century dedicated to Madonna dell'Itria. This location bridges two periods of the town's religious history.
The church maintains a close connection with the Confraternita della Bara, a brotherhood of roughly one hundred men who have carried the processional crucifix during religious celebrations since the 1880s. This living tradition shapes how the community gathers and participates in its religious observances throughout the year.
The church sits on Via Gallo north of Santa Maria della Neve and opens daily to visitors. During May and December celebrations, extended visiting hours are available to accommodate larger gatherings.
Local legend tells of thieves who attempted to steal the crucifix but abandoned their plan when their elm staff mysteriously grew into a full tree. This tale lives on in community memory and inspired the church's name.
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