Church of Saint Mary of the Cross
This large and new church was erected thanks to the contributions of the worshippers (,,,), it features a Latin-cross layout with four tall arches in cut stone; we don’t know who built it but it must have been a good architect. The main nave measures 27,90m and the two lateral ones 17,20m. It has a fine round chorus with a fresco supported by two angels. The main altar is attached to the retable of a nice work in stone. The niche of the altar houses the fresco of Maria SS. Assunta in Cielo to which the church was dedicated. The author of the fresco depicting the Holy Virgin with the Child and two angels is unknown. The arch framing the fresco is entirely in carved stone, including several figures of animals, mostly fish and birds. Also the external part of this altar is carved featuring a variety of columns and sinkholes half full half empty. The whole is covered by a wonderful frame bearing the following wording in Latin: “ECCE ANCILLA DOMINI FIAT MIHI SECUNDUM VERBUM TUUM. 1564”. The chorus is vaulted just like the whole church must have originally been designed, but perhaps the lack of funds stopped the works. This is proved by the two maimed capitals. The facade is made up of square stones with angle bars artistically elaborated in the shape of columns. One of such columns bears the following inscription: A.D. 1575-Bazzani Camarlingo. Annexed is the keeper’s house dating back to 1624. The main door with cut stone jumbles made in year 1578 bears the inscription: “ORO PRO NOBIS SANCTA DEI GENITRIX". Inside the church, as you enter from the side door on the left, there is a small throne with seven columns (perhaps the old tabernacle of the Parish Church), made or brought here in 1578 and bearing the wording: “ADORAMUS TE CHRISTE” (We adore you Jesus Christ). Two portals in carved stone were subsequently added on the sides of the altar. At the bottom there are two fine rosettes with a niche in the middle. The inscription says they were made by Paolo di Lisandro and Girolamo C.O. The stoup near the main entrance dates back to 1679, perhaps remains from the old Church of St. Donnino. Quite relevant is also the round-shaped well with a protruding cornice next to the rectory. This description is taken from the manuscript written by Marchesini don Alfonso, Liber Cronicus, Diocesan Archive of Crotona.