Santuario SS Crocifisso

In the heart of Mugello, in Borgo San Lorenzo, the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix stands as a place of deep devotion and extraordinary beauty, a symbol of faith that narrates centuries of history. Its foundation dates back to the 17th century when, due to the increasing veneration for a miraculous Crucifix, it was decided to build a church to safeguard its image and welcome pilgrims. The church was erected between 1641 and 1673, commissioned by the Borgo community to honor the worship of a Crucifix that, according to tradition, had performed numerous miracles. However, the origin of the cult related to the Borgo Crucifix traces back to an ancient tradition from the Jubilee Year of 1400 when German pilgrims, on their way to Rome, stopped in Borgo San Lorenzo carrying an image of the Crucifix with them. During their passage, they were struck by a devastating plague epidemic, causing the death of many or forcing them to flee, yet leaving the sacred image to the local population. From that moment, the people of Borgo San Lorenzo attributed numerous miracles and wonders to the Crucifix, nurturing the worship that still thrives in the community today. The Crucifix venerated in the Sanctuary is an image of Jesus crucified in wood, of imposing dimensions, whose history is shrouded in mystery and popular devotion. Probably, the origin of the cult is also linked to the presence of a lay confraternity of the Flagellants and the Franciscan friars in Borgo, who at that time were promoting the revaluation of the cult of the cross as a symbol of Christ's suffering. From its early days, the Crucifix was guarded by the Confraternity of Corpus Christi, which later took the name "Compagnia de' Neri," and had its oratory right where the current Sanctuary stands. Over the centuries, the Confraternity of Corpus Christi saw its importance grow, so much so that in 1710 it was decided to build a larger church. The construction of the new building began in 1714 and was completed in 1743, giving rise to an imposing church with a Greek cross plan and a large central dome. The image of the Holy Crucifix was placed in the niche of the main altar, hidden by a painted canvas and revealed only on solemn occasions, adding further charm to its worship. In 1919, a disastrous earthquake severely damaged the church and the small adjacent oratory. Subsequent restorations, completed in 1927, returned the building to the community, following the eighteenth-century plan, with the large presbytery and the elegant marble balustrade made in 1795. The grand dome space, decorated with rococo-style vegetal motifs, overlooks the church's interior, giving it a majestic yet sober appearance, while the monumental side altars complete the furnishings. The Sanctuary, to this day, preserves the grand machinery of the main altar and the architectural elements that recall the classicizing imprint of the era.

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