The Collegiate Church stands in an elevated position from which one can admire the impressive architectural complex of the cathedral with its Benedictine cloister, the former monastery and the vast Conca d'oro. This small church has existed since 1454 and, although modest, it was very frequented by the faithful. It is dedicated to SS. Salvatore and entrusted to the Confraternity of the same name and the Compagnia della Resurrezione.
As the cult of SS. Crucifix spread in the 15th century, the need was felt to enlarge the small church, adding several chapels, the most important of which was the one dedicated to the already venerated image of Jesus Crucified. Later, Archbishop Venero (1619-1628) commissioned another major extension with a central nave. Further work therefore began in the early 1700s and was completed on 25 October 1718. The first floor was made with majolica tiles with polychrome ornamental designs in 1719. Some traces can still be seen today under the wooden choir stalls and on the floor of the basement of the nave. The church was paved with marble bricks in May 1801. The plaque next to the main door tells us that the masonry work was completed in 1719 and that the church, already completed, was consecrated by Archbishop Testa and dedicated to "SS. Salvatori Crucifixo on 13 October 1754. Canon S. Gentile rebuilt the collapsing roofs and vaults at his own expense in 1841. But, because of an architectural error, he straightened the two barrel vaults of the side aisles. These were restored to their origin state in 1965. Among the preserved art treasures, an eminent place is occupied by the large majolica panel, formed from polychrome majolica ceramic tiles and placed outside the apse of the church of the same name, totalling 1500 tiles measuring 18 cm with an area of approximately 50 square meters, the largest of its kind in Italy. The panel, whose construction began on 8 May 1718 and was completed on 20 December of the same year, depicts a central Crucifix with a rich blue canopy underneath held open by angels. At the foot of the Cross is the cathedral, which stands out in the midst of the panorama of ancient Monreale, surrounded by high mountains. A Latin inscription reads: I will protect this city and save it for me, which seems to be the Crucified One's response to the continued invocation of the people of Monreale: Grazia Patruzzu Amurusu. Grazia.
Source: Pro Loco
