- On 01/23/2025
- In curiosity
- Tags: St. Peter's Basilica
ST. PETER’S BASILICA, THE OLDEST CRUCIFIX IN THE WORLD
Inside the most important Basilica of Rome, you can find the oldest crucifix in the world.
In fact, the crucifix of Saint Peter’s Basilica is an imposing sculpture of the XIV Century skillfully carved on a secular walnut trunk, representing the dying Christ with his head reclining on the right shoulder
If you did not know about this masterpiece, rest assured: unfortunately, this crucifix is a work almost forgotten and unknown to many, also due to its last “unhappy” relocations. As a matter of fact, the crucifix was initially located in the old Basilica between the fifth and sixth columns on the left aisle, above the altar of Saints Simon and Judas.
During the construction of the new Basilica, it was moved over the altar of Saint Petronilla, and then in 1632 it landed in the first chapel near the Holy Door, called “del Crocifisso” and painted by Giovanni Lanfranco.