Church of Santa Croce (Arquata del Tronto)

History of the Church of Santa Croce

It was built at an unknown date by the Knights of Jerusalem. Together with the rectory it remained under their control until 1857, when it passed to the bishop of Ascoli. The name comes from the processional cross kept there. According to tradition, a local man who had taken part in the Crusades brought it to Pescara del Tronto.

Around 1600 a small church called the Oratorio, dedicated to the Madonna del Soccorso, was built next to the church. The two churches were later joined into a single building, with an east-facing facade, a cross vault and side altars. The earthquake of August 24, 2016 destroyed it completely, together with the hamlet.

What to see in the Church of Santa Croce

The most important piece is the 12th-13th century processional cross. It has a wooden frame covered with a thin sheet of die-stamped gilded copper and measures 47×38 cm. On the back is Christ blessing, seated on a simple throne and surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists. In the past it led processions, fixed to a pole about two meters long.

The first altar of the presbytery held the chapel of the Madonna del Soccorso, with a fresco predating the 15th century. The Crucifix of the high altar and the fresco were recovered after the earthquake.

How to visit the Church of Santa Croce

The building was destroyed in 2016, so its interior can no longer be visited as it once was. The restored processional cross was returned to the Episcopal Curia of Ascoli Piceno in 2025. It was due to be displayed during the feast of the Santissima Croce in Pescara del Tronto. Before planning a visit, it is best to ask about the celebrations and the state of reconstruction.

Where the Church of Santa Croce was

The church stood in Pescara del Tronto, a hamlet of the municipality of Arquata del Tronto, in the province of Ascoli Piceno. The oldest core of the village grew between the Tronto river and the church, later spreading as far as the old Salaria road. The territory of Pescara del Tronto lies between the Sibillini National Park in the Sibillini Mountains and the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park.

Around the Church of Santa Croce

In Vezzano, at 668 m above sea level, the church of Santa Caterina was declared unfit for use after the 2016-2017 earthquake. Its processional cross is probably copied from the one in Pescara del Tronto, but is more recent. The rural church of Santa Lucia, along the SP 129 between Vezzano and Pescara del Tronto, was also demolished after 2016.

Another church in the municipality is described on the page about the Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo (Arquata del Tronto). Other places of worship in the area are gathered on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.