Discover the Crucifix of Rifesi in Burgio, a masterpiece of Sicilian art and devotion. Uncover the centuries-old legends and traditions that make this one of the most cherished symbols of spirituality in the Sicani Mountains.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCO CRUPI

In the heart of Sicily, the small town of Burgio holds a treasure of extraordinary historical and spiritual value: the Crucifix of Rifesi. This wooden sculpture, believed to date back to the 12th century (around 1170, when the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Rifesi was built), is considered one of the oldest in Sicily, though it is not the absolute oldest. The title of the oldest wooden Christian cross in the world goes to a paleochristian cross in Casteltermini, in the province of Agrigento, estimated to be around 2,000 years old. Nevertheless, the Crucifix of Rifesi stands out for its artistic value and the central role it plays in the traditions and legends of Burgio, captivating devotees and history enthusiasts for centuries.

According to tradition, in the 12th century, a shepherd carved the body of Christ from the wood of an oak tree, but was unable to finish the head. Legend has it that the head was found, already carved, at the foot of an oak tree known as the “celsa di lu Signuri.” Later, the same tree was struck by lightning, leaving a stump that resembled a cross.

Another legend tells of an attempt to move the Crucifix permanently to the nearby town of Bivona. However, during the journey, a violent storm caused the river to swell, making further travel impossible. This event was interpreted as a sign that the Crucifix did not want to leave Burgio.

Originally, the Crucifix was kept in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria of Rifesi, a Norman complex from the 12th century located about eight kilometers from Burgio, nestled in the woods of the Sicani Mountains. The Sanctuary, composed of a church and a Benedictine monastery, features typical Norman architectural elements, with three apses and walls that were likely frescoed in the 17th century.

To protect the Crucifix from the elements and ensure its preservation, it was eventually moved to the Mother Church of Burgio, where it is now housed in a dedicated chapel. In 1982, the Crucifix was restored by Professor Ernesto Geraci from the restoration laboratory of the Regional Museum of Messina. The chapel where the Crucifix is displayed is adorned with a gold-decorated marble altar created by Francesco Vetrano of Villafranca Sicula in 1931, along with wooden candlesticks and ceramic vases from Burgio.

Every second Sunday of August, the community of Burgio holds a solemn procession in honor of the Crucifix of Rifesi. At dawn, the faithful carry the sacred effigy from the Mother Church to the Sanctuary of Rifesi, traveling roughly eight kilometers through the forest. This tradition, deeply rooted in history, is a testament to the profound devotion of the people of Burgio toward the Crucifix.