Church of Santissimo Crocifisso dell'Icona

History of the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso dell'Icona in Ascoli Piceno

The church was originally dedicated to the icon, that is, the painting of the Madonna and Child, of 15th-century origin and by an unknown artist. Since the early 17th century a polychrome wooden crucifix of uncertain authorship has been venerated there, and this devotion changed the dedication of the sanctuary. Hence the name "Crocifisso dell'Icona" (Crucifix of the Icon), which joins the two main religious and artistic elements of the place.

The building was erected in the mid-16th century and then radically remodeled at the end of the 17th century and again in 1780. In 1780 Lazzaro Giosafatti completed the work begun in the 17th century by Giuseppe Giosafatti.

What to see in the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso dell'Icona

The facade is preceded by a 19th-century staircase with three flights. Here the Baroque portal opens, topped by a wide rectangular window. The interior, also Baroque, has a Latin cross plan with side chapels.

The first chapel on the left holds the Crocifisso dell'Icona, a 16th-century wooden work. The altars are by Lazzaro Giosafatti and his brothers Lorenzo and Pietro. On the high altar is a Madonna and Child, frescoed on a section of wall that was detached, framed and moved in the second half of the 16th century. The fresco is surrounded by a stucco glory of angels by Agostino Cappelli. The dome has frescoes by Luigi Sciocchetti, who also decorated the vaults in 1924. The works also include an altarpiece with the Madonna di Loreto and San Nicola di Bari, attributed to Sebastiano Ghezzi.

How to visit the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso dell'Icona

The church was damaged by the August 2016 earthquake, and the October and January 2017 tremors made the damage worse. The most serious cracks are in the presbytery, especially beneath the dome. After the earthquake the church underwent restoration work. Before planning a visit, it is worth checking with the parish that the church is open to the public. Opening hours and contact details are in the box on this page.

Where the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso dell'Icona is

The church stands in the western part of the historic center of Ascoli Piceno. It is in the populous Porta Romana district, a short walk from the historic center.

Near the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso dell'Icona in Ascoli Piceno

The church is close to the Roman theater and the medieval walls with Porta Romana. To continue a visit to the city, see the page on things to do in Ascoli Piceno. Another stop is the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio in Ascoli Piceno.