A nasty surprise this morning for Angelo Pellegrini, the custode of the SS Crocifisso church in Barga Vecchia.
The Baroque altar in gilded wood by Francesco Santini of Cerreto, dating from 1646 has been damaged by thieves who have removed by force two of the wooden and gilded angel faces which were on either side of the alter.
The church of Santissimo Crocifisso was built during the 13th Century which makes it the oldest church in Barga after the Duomo.
The interior has been magnificently restored and in addition to a number of paintings from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries you will find a Baroque altar in gilded wood by Francesco Santini of Cerreto, dated 25 April 1646, a beautiful wooden crucifix from 1400 encased on the altar, and in the chancel, a lovely carved wooden choir stall.
The police have been informed of the damage and theft and investigations into just who could have perpetrated such an action are now underway and once again talk in the city is of the possibility and urgent need of a secure museum for some of the treasures of Barga before they too are removed or damaged.
