The sanctuary of the Crucifix is located in Selva Scura in Bassiano.
It takes its name from a famous wooden crucifix sculpted by Fra Vincenzo Pietrosanti in 1673, that is still protected inside the sanctuary.
The structure is formed around a frescoed cave used in the Middle Ages by the 'fraticelli', Franciscan spiritualists who decided to live in hermitage.
Legend has it that the Templar Knights took refuge here during the escape from the nearby Abbey of Valvisciolo during the persecutions of the early 1300s.
Next to the cave there is a round chapel which dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century.
In this chapel there is the Pietrosanti wooden sculpture of the Crucifix.
During the seventeenth century the Franciscans made crucifixes to promote piety in the faithful.
Vincenzo Pietrosanti donated this work to his hometown with the obligation to found a confraternity for his cult.
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