santuario, diocesano, Santuario Diocesano del SS.mo Crocifisso

On the summit of a wooded hill that dominates the Melandro Valley stands the Santuario Diocesano del SS.mo Crocifisso. This medieval church, perched atop the mountain that shares its name, has been a destination for pilgrims since at least 1238. The sanctuary’s rhythm of devotion is marked by two distinct processions: an ascending rite in May, when the crucifix is carried from the mother church in Brienza up to the mountaintop, and a descending rite in September, when it returns to the town below.

On that September Sunday, after Mass and blessing, the crucifix is laid upon a purple cloth and carried down the mountain. The procession includes clergy, confraternity members, and young women bearing elaborate votive candle arrangements called “i cinti” upon their heads. As the crucifix descends, a second procession from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta brings the white-robed Addolorata to meet it. Pilgrims come from nearby towns, and emigrants return to Brienza for these festivities.

Description via source. Coordinates and heritage data from the Atika atlas.