The old town
St Cross’s Church
Santa Croce Oratory, built on the western side of Piazza Conte Rosso is depicted, although not correctly identified, on the panel painting of Avigliana “Theatrum Sabaudie”and dated the second half of the 17th century, became the centre of activity of the Compagnia di Santa Croce (Holy Cross Society) at the beginning of the 20th century. It was an association of pious people, mainly artisans and tradesmen, all living in Borgo Nuovo. It was to be on par to the Compagnia del Gesu, sited in the Parish of Santa Maria.
Piazza Conte Rosso
10051 Avigliana TO
0119311873
They followed the footsteps of “Societas Batutorum” that already existed since 1457. Santa Croce had considerably more autonomy than the neighbouring parish church of San Giovanni. The church, subject to considerable restoration in the second half of the 18th century, offers an irregular rectangular shape, with five spans; the area corresponding to the last two spans, once separated from the nave by an imposing iron gate, correspond to the presbytery and the choir and was assigned only to the brotherhood. The façade is enriched by a portale with segmented frontal, a trifora “serliana”, two niches and an 18th century carved wooden door.
The interior of the building, now bare of its holy ornaments, belongs to the council and used for exhibitions or other cultural shows.