The Hermitage of Croce Santa in Rosolini

The history of the Hermitage of Croce Santa in Rosolini

The town of Rosolini, in the province of Syracuse, hosts the remains of a complex archaeological complex made up of four small churches carved into the rock which are located in a very suggestive area.

Although it may appear dilapidated, those who go to Rosolini to discover the Hermitage of Santa Croce will find themselves faced with a place of faith that has its roots in a remote past that saw the presence of monks, missionaries, bishops and holy hermits like Saint Hilarion of Gaza, nicknamed the Egyptian, born in 291 AD and who was known for many prodigious healings and miracles who experienced in this place, most likely around 362 AD bringing with him the Holy Gospel, a cross and a pouch.

Architecture and works of art present at the Hermitage of Croce Santa

Arriving in Rosolini and following the Provincial Road n. 27 S. Alessandra in the direction of Modica, after about 3 km you will find what remains of the Hermitage. This rises at the foot of a rock and much of the complex, especially the First Church, was destroyed by an earthquake in 786 AD

In this place, which is the Cava Grande di Rosolini, you can notice a named plateau Vignale di San Teodoro and an adjoining staircase, the Scalinata di San Teodoro, which leads to the tiny village of Cozzo Cistern where the small church of San Teodoro is located, also known as the Third Church, inside which you can admire a series of frescoes that testify to the quality with which they were painted.

Of the First Hermitage only two caves remain, joined together by some steps, a cistern and the ruins of a small church which is identified by the presence of the apse.

At the foot of the ridge there is the Second Hermitage where, in its upper part, some tombs dug into the rock have been identified which have rectangular shapes without any ornament and equipped with lateral platforms also dug into the rock. The era to which they date back is the one known as the Sicilian period which starts from the Neo and Eneolithic age up to that of Castelluccio. The findings were limited to shards of ceramic vases.

Going to Rosolini to discover the Hermitage of Croce Santa, you are surprised by the church of San Teodoro due to the cycle of frescoes found inside and of which one can recognize a holy monk, probably Saint Hilarion, Saint Theodore, the Virgin with the Child Jesus, Saint Stephen, Saint Peter and the Annunciation while in the apse you can see the face of Christ.

The Fourth Church is called the Cave of discovery or of the ox where, in 1533, the Holy Cross was found which, in the XNUMXth century, was transferred to the Mother Church which, at the time, was called the Santissimo Sacramento and then changed its name to the Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso.

From this place, climbing a few steps, you access another room which for some archaeologists recalls a canopy tomb, for others a tegurium and still others, a ciborium. This space also has a niche that housed hermits.

What is possible to do in the surroundings of the Hermitage of Croce Santa

Those who go to Rosolini to discover the Hermitage of Croce Santa find themselves in an area full of archaeological sites and previous quarries from the Greco-Roman period. The visits are very interesting Mother Church of San Giuseppe and Church of the Crucifix.

To truly immerse yourself in nature while having fun, we recommend reaching Cava Park, Rosolini's adventure park.
Here there is the possibility of living an exciting experience by venturing, in total safety, among the rocky walls of the Big Quarry where routes suitable for individuals of all ages, including children, have been equipped.

There is also a picnic area with barbecue and gazebo where you can prepare an inviting barbecue. Inside the park there are paths immersed in nature represented by lush Mediterranean vegetation that lead both to the necropolis and to the remains of the Castelluccian buildings.

How is it possible to get to the Hermitage of Croce Santa in Rosolini

By car:

From Catania, Siracusa-Rosolini E45 motorway - Rosolini exit and following the Provincial Road n. 27 S. Alessandra in the direction of Modica, after about 3 km you will find what remains of the Hermitage.

From Palermo, Palermo-Catania motorway, Siracusa-Rosolini E45 motorway - Rosolini exit and following the Provincial Road n. 27 S. Alessandra in the direction of Modica, after about 3 km you will find what remains of the Hermitage.

From Messina-Villa San Giovanni, ferry exit towards the A18 motorway towards Catania, Siracusa-Rosolini E45 motorway, Rosolini exit and following the Provincial Road n. 27 S. Alessandra in the direction of Modica, after about 3 km you will find what remains of the Hermitage.