Church of the Cross

In the heart of the charming coastal town of Senigallia, Italy, stands the magnificent Church of the Cross, known locally as Chiesa della Croce. This sacred edifice, dating back to 1608, is a testament to the rich history and artistic heritage of the region. Built under the auspices of the Confraternity of the Sacrament and the Cross, the church is a blend of late Renaissance and Baroque styles, offering visitors a visual feast of architectural and artistic splendor.

Architectural Marvels

The Church of the Cross was constructed by Girolamo Marini da Barchi, likely following designs by Muzio Oddi, an architect at the court of Urbino. The exterior of the church is a striking example of late Renaissance architecture. The façade, divided by four pilasters with composite Corinthian capitals, is adorned with geometric decorations in Istrian stone. The prominent pediment with a central oculus is a defining feature, adding to the church’s grandeur. Above the entrance, an inscription reads, Erigis et fugit a te humilias te et venit ad te, a poignant reminder from Saint Augustine that translates to If you exalt yourself, the Lord flees from you; if you humble yourself, He comes to you.

A Baroque Interior

Step inside the Church of the Cross, and you are immediately enveloped in the opulence of Baroque design. The interior, rectangular in plan, features walls covered in finely decorated gilded wood, adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs characteristic of the Baroque period. Despite the lavish decoration, the overall design maintains an elegance and architectural sobriety reminiscent of the Renaissance.

The Altars

The church houses seven altars: the main altar and three on each side, each originally dedicated to a different guild. The main altar is a masterpiece of golden embroidery, featuring floral bas-reliefs, garlands, and cherubs. At its center is a grille with tendrils supporting a cross, and within the altar lies a 17th-century wooden statue of the Dead Christ. Above the altar, a luxurious backdrop frames the altarpiece by Federico Barocci, depicting The Transport of Christ to the Sepulcher. This painting, created between 1579 and 1582, is one of Barocci’s finest works and showcases his knowledge of Raphael’s Baglioni Altarpiece.

Left Side Altars

The first altar on the left is dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of bombardiers and artillerymen. The columns are shaped like cannons, with symbols of bombardiers adorning the frieze. The painting of Saint Barbara is by Claudio Ridolfi, a pupil of Barocci. The second altar features Ridolfi’s Crucifixion, housed in a large niche. The third altar displays a Baroque painting of the Holy Family and Saint Gregory interceding for the souls in Purgatory, dating from the early 17th century.

Right Side Altars

The first altar on the right showcases a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Saint Francis, and Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, with two other saints in the background. This work is a product of the 17th-century Marchigian school. The second altar holds a small painting on canvas, a copy of the image of the Mother of Good Counsel, venerated in the sanctuary of Genazzano in Palestrina, to which Pope Pius IX was devoted. The third altar features a painting of the Crucifixion with adoring angels, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Bonaventure, a work of unknown authorship from the Marchigian school, restored by the Confraternity in 1997.

The Ceiling

The church’s ceiling is a magnificent coffered design, with square panels enriched by an intricate play of arabesques. A central band displays the symbols of the cross and the Eucharist, the emblem of the Confraternity of the Sacrament and the Cross.

The Pipe Organ

One of the church’s prized possessions is its pipe organ, built in 1775 by the renowned Venetian organ maker Gaetano Callido. The organ, housed in a wooden case on the counter-facade gallery, features a single keyboard with 45 keys and a short octave pedalboard, typical of the Venetian 18th-century style.

Visiting the Church of the Cross in Senigallia is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual heritage of this historic town. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, this church promises an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression.