On first sight, Santa Croce, Parma, does not look like it is a church worth visiting, the time worn plain brick facade just hints at an ordinary church of little artistic merit.
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
But entering this little church reveals a curious mix of Romanesque carved capitals, alongside colourful Baroque decoration. Like a lot of these buildings, this church, consecrated in 1222, was heavily modified in 1663, after part of the roof collapsed. The dome was constructed and the church was shortened. Also a spectacular side chapel was added. In 1904, the facade was remodelled in the Romanesque style.
The church gets its name from a relic, in this case a fragment of wood from the crucifixion cross. In the nave our eyes are drawn to the primitive capitals, with a wonderful Centaur with bow and arrow, twin tailed mermaids and other medieval beasts and personalities.
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma. The altar contains the relic. |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
The Cappella di San Giuseppe that juts out from the main church is a riot of colour, covered entirety with colourful frescoes and an altar depicting the Holy family.
(Update 10/1/24. I reshot the Capella with a much wider lens)
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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| Santa Croce, Parma |
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