Church of Santissimo Crocifisso - Noto, Sicily - Classical Façade in Piazza Mazzini

The imposing façade of the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso overlooking Piazza Mazzini in the upper historic quarter of Noto, Sicily.

This photograph shows the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso overlooking Piazza Mazzini in the upper historic quarter of Noto, Sicily. The broad pale-stone façade is dominated by the central entrance and its tall classical columns, while circular windows and restrained architectural decoration extend symmetrically to either side. Cars parked across the piazza and an ornamental street lamp in the foreground place the historic church within the everyday life of modern Noto. Situated in the Piano Alto district, Santissimo Crocifisso is the second-largest church in Noto after the Cathedral of San Nicolò. Construction began in 1715 to a design by Rosario Gagliardi, one of the leading architects responsible for rebuilding the city following the devastating earthquake of 1693. The three-nave church has a Latin-cross plan and preserves important works transferred from Noto Antica, including Francesco Laurana's 1471 marble Madonna della Neve. It also contains fragments associated with the crucifix from the earlier church destroyed in the earthquake.