Temple of the Most Holy Crucifix
Todi PG
Description of the Temple of the Most Holy Crucifix
The Temple of the Most Holy Crucifix currently stands alone, though in the past there were likely nearby structures to accommodate pilgrims. The building has a Greek cross floor plan and features a bell gable.
Most Holy Crucifix
The object of veneration is a fresco depicting Jesus on the cross, with Mary and St. John the Evangelist on either side. Above their heads are two small angels, each holding a chalice, collecting the blood flowing from Christ’s wounds. According to Lucalberto Petti, a local chronicler, the artwork dates back to around 1390.
It was retouched in 1566 by a Spanish artist, but a detailed examination reveals that the 1566 restoration was a complete re-creation. The image was restored again in 1937 by Carlo Pierantoni. Originally, it was the centerpiece of a shrine meant to comfort those condemned to death, known as the “Maestà of the Most Holy Crucifix in Piobica” or “Maestà of the Gallows,” as it stood near the site of executions.
May 3, 1591, marks the laying of the foundation stone for the Temple of the Most Holy Crucifix, intended to house the aforementioned shrine.
For decades, this image had already been the focus of deep popular devotion, especially during executions, when expiatory rites and special prayers were presumably held. Over time, miracles, graces, healings, and even resurrections multiplied, drawing increasing numbers of pilgrims.
History of the Temple
A contemporary chronicler recounts that on May 3, 1589 (the day the Church solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross), over five hundred pilgrims gathered around the sacred image. In the following days, more arrived, bringing not only alms and wax offerings but also stones, lime, and other building materials to construct a larger edifice. A book was started to record the graces received.
Pilgrims came not only from Todi but also from neighboring towns. Significant sums of money, gifts, and jewelry were donated, prompting the Priors and the Bishop to support the idea of building a church around the “Maestà of the Gallows.”
In 1591, the project stalled when the Augustinian friar Angelo of Todi, Prior of Santa Prassede, proposed relocating the image of the Most Holy Crucifix to the nearby Church of Sant’Agostino, which only needed minor repairs, rather than constructing a new building. This would save considerable money, and Sant’Agostino was situated in a secure and picturesque location. The Augustinian friar gained the support of the citizens and the Municipal Council, but Bishop Angelo Cesi of Todi vehemently opposed the move. Thus, the original plan to build the temple on the site of devotion was revived. In 1606, the sanctuary became a parish. A temporary wooden roof was built in 1610. The following year, the image of the Most Holy Crucifix was moved from the center of the church to the wall behind the main altar, where it remains today. In 1748, the temple finally received its permanent roof, which still stands.
Source: Di MarsPF2 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32707918
Todi, Province of Perugia, Italy
