The Chapel of the Most Holy Crucifix is one of the most evocative and mystically charged places in the whole of Gaeta. Located within the complex of the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity (Montagna Spaccata), the chapel has the extraordinary peculiarity of having been built on top of a huge boulder that was wedged between the walls of the rocky crevice during the earthquake that, according to Christian tradition, shook the world at the death of Christ.
The present structure dates back to the 15th century, but the site has been a pilgrimage destination since time immemorial. To reach it, visitors walk down a flight of steps that descends along the deep cleft in the rock, where limestone walls rise vertically for dozens of meters. The chapel appears almost suspended in the void, offering a dizzying view of the sea below through the mountain’s natural slits.
Curiosities and events:
- The Turk’s Hand: Along the descent to the chapel, it is possible to see an imprint in the rock known as “The Turk’s Hand.” Legend has it that an unfaithful sailor, doubting the divine origin of the cleft, touched the rock and it softened under his hand as if it were wax, leaving the indelible fingerprint.
- The Bed of St. Philip Neri: It is said that the saint used to retire to prayer in this place, sleeping on a stone bed (still visible today) inside a small niche near the chapel.
- Place of Prayer of Popes and Saints: Over the centuries, numerous famous people have visited this place, including Pope Pius IX, St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Bernardine of Siena.
- Unique Architecture: The chapel does not have foundations in the traditional sense, but takes advantage of the stability of the embedded boulder. Inside, the atmosphere is made even more atmospheric by the sound of waves crashing at the base of the mountain, which can be distinctly heard during the visit.
