Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini

Among Rock Churches of Sicily, that of Crucifix is situated in Carlentini, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, a town populated by almost 18.000 people. The complex, together with the Cave of Solitude and Cave of the Blond Christ, is among the most beautiful Rock Churches of the island.

The origins of the Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini

The history of Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini it begins around the 1764th century, on the site which subsequently, around the XNUMXth century, appears to have become a burial ground; then there is a precise date, XNUMX, the moment in which in the XNUMXth century the rooms of the Rock Church were transformed into a real Church in the traditional sense. The two different environments suggest that two different cults were practiced here, Greek and Latin.

There is not much other information relating to the history of the Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini, but we know that these open spaces in the rock that flanks the hills and mountains give us a spectacle waiting to be discovered!

The architecture of the Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini

At the Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini we find ourselves in a complex carved into the rock, made up of two adjacent square rooms, one of the same size as the other.

The appearance that currently constitutes the Church is not exactly the same as the original one, in fact we know that over time, the site has undergone several expansions. Today it is accessed from a portal, while we know that previously the entrance was located where today there is a window. Under the room carved into the rock, there is a crypt capable of accommodating up to 16 people, equipped with purification seats. The two rooms are connected by a small corridor, where the Chantarus is located, which corresponds to the stoup. In the second room, you can admire XNUMXth century frescoes, an altar and the wall of Mater Domini, as well as representations of numerous saints.

What to do at the Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini and the surrounding area

Visiting the Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini is an opportunity to get to know a structure so different from the places of worship we are used to, now disused, but extremely fascinating.

The complex is located 3,9 km from Carlentini, a town where you can stay if you want to transform the visit to the Rock Church into a real holiday in the Iblei Mountains and Lake Lentini. Culture, history, nature and of course good food will then be the protagonists of your stay.

In Carlentini there are numerous churches, such as the Parish of the Immaculate Conception (which is also the Mother Church of the country) and the Parish of Santa Tecla, to name just two of the sacred buildings in the centre; the Iblei Mountains, towards the hinterland, are less than 50 km from the town and with their peaks almost 990 meters above sea level. For its beauty and the richness of archaeological finds, this area has been declared World Heritage. In Carlentini Ancient Crafts Museum you will find a piece of history and origins of the town with the representation of ancient workshops and original tools dating back to between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.

Lake Lentini, however, is 17 km from the center and can be reached by passing the village of Lentini: its origins are lost in legend, in fact it is said that the lake was created by the Knights Templar.

Finally, in Carlentini, you will enjoy an excellent aubergine caponata, or a delicious stuffed leg of lamb, you can try cassata or discover sweet couscous: don't miss your appointment with Sicilian cuisine!

How to get to the Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini

Carlisle is located in the Free Municipal Consortium of SIRACUSA and can be easily reached by car or train. Once in the village, the Rock Church of the Crucifix in Carlentini can be reached in less than 4 km.
To get to the village with the driving feel, visitors can take the Catania-Siracusa motorway, turning directly at the exit for Lentini-Carlentini, 6,9 km from the centre. Who prefers the train, you can get off at Catania Central Station and reach Carlentini by bus or shuttle (distance, approximately 27 km).