The Church of the SS. Crucifix in Calatabiano

Solitary and majestic, the Church of the SS. Crucifix stands along the climb to Calatabiano Castle, on what is now called Crujillas Street and bears the name of the family who, most likely, commissioned the construction of the church in the XNUMXth century, when it dominated the lands of the current province of Catania.

A place of worship of the Catholic religion, this ancient church is also the guardian of a legend linked to the Catalan family: everything revolves around the mysterious inscription, which is engraved on the portal of the building and which for many years misled scholars and lay enthusiasts archaeology, as well as less virtuous treasure seekers.

The inscription, actually difficult to interpret, has given rise to a legend, according to which only a knight on a white horse will be able to read it, only to immediately see the surrounding rock open up and free the passage towards a very rich treasure.

Certainly suggestive, the legend spread among the inhabitants of the area, but then a historian from Calatabiano finally managed to decipher the famous inscription, which seems to testify to the name of theArchbishop Eufemio, supporter of the construction of this church in the fifteenth century, together with the Crujillas family. However, there still remains a bit of mystery, hidden among the stones of the facade: over time, the stone inscription has suffered numerous damages and therefore its most accredited interpretation remains the most probable, but perhaps not the definitive one.

The architecture of the church of SS. Crucifix in Calatabiano and the works of art it houses

Most of the religious structure is in masonry, flanked by a high crenellated tower. Built at the end of the fifteenth century, the architecture of the sacred building is characterized by late Gothic style.

The church is composed of a single rectangular nave and externally, on the right side, there are the remains of an ancient portico.

The interior is decorated with simplicity, in which the ceiling undoubtedly stands out, completely covered in wood.
The church mainly houses two artistic works, which we want to remember here: a painting of the Madonna with Child and the statue of St. Philip the Syriac, patron saint of Calatabiano.

This statue gives rise to a real pilgrimage every year for the Descent of San Filippo, which is celebrated on the Saturday before the third Sunday of May, the day in which all the faithful of the town participate in the procession, in which the statue of the Saint is transported. For this reason, the place of worship is also known as the Church of San Filippo.

A final mention of the Crucifix, from which the church takes its name: the original wooden sculpture is today kept in the town, at the church of Maria Santissima Annunziata.

What to do in the Church of the SS. Crucifix in Calatabiano and surrounding areas

The Church stands on a hill, not far from the Calatabiano Castle. With a single walk directed towards the North West of the town, you can thus visit two Sicilian architectural beautiesone religious and the other civilian.

If you want to take part in the celebrations for San Filippo, it is a good idea to organize a holiday in the month of May. Otherwise, any time of year will be fine, to admire the ancient church and castle.

The fortress, ancient and dating back over 2000 years, overlooks the Alcantara Valley and has been recently renovated, after a long period of abandonment. Visiting it, therefore, you can observe many of the ancient Renaissance glories, but also dating back to the Arab era and the presence of ancient Greeks.

A solitary and romantic place, the castle offers spectacular views, especially from the Crujillas Hall, where the windows directly overlook the Valley.

With a short journey of just 5 km by car, you can reach another fascinating Sicilian castle, the Slave Castle. Close to the coast, the castle is an example of the Sicilian Rural Baroque: built in 1700, it boasts a beautiful courtyard and is dominated by a loggia. Elegant and still partially furnished, the Slave Castle is a setting that has managed to capture the hearts of great artists.

From Calatabiano you can also reach the Covaja Palace, about 14 km away and the splendid Church of St. Joseph, 16 km.

Halfway, the Museum and Archaeological Park of Naxos, where you can admire the remains of the ancient Greek city and also many finds.

The entire route that goes north from Calatabiano, beyond Giardini di Naxos, is naturally flanked by the splendid sea of ​​Sicily, providing the possibility of transforming any stop into a walk by the sea, a dip or even an immersion in the seabed.

Recommended activities for a tour of the Alcantara Gorges

How to get to the Church of SS. Crucifix in Calatabiano

The Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso is located in Calatabiano, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, in Sicily. Just outside the town center, walking up towards the Castle, walk along Via Crujillas until you reach the walls of the church.

Calatabiano can be reached by car, taking the A18 Messina – Catania until the exit for Fiumefreddo, or by train, getting off directly at the Calatabiano railway station.