The church was built in the 13th century at the site of an ancient chapel. By the 15th century, it was attached to a confraternity. The building was refurbished in the 16th and 17th centuries, creating a sober
Renaissance facade for the ornate
Baroque interiors, and ceilings, now present. Among the works inside are a 16th-century banner depicting the
Adoration of the Cross by
Pietro Paolo Baldinacci and his pupil Silvio (1st altar on left); a
San Carlo Borromeo by
Alessandro Brunelli of
Perugia (3rd altar on the left); and a
Madonna and child with saints (1668) by Allegrini (2nd altar on right). The Baroque wooden statues of
Christ and the Madonna Addolorata, on the main altar were completed by
Carlo Magistretti and
Domenico Valli. The stucco work on the triumphal arch and ceiling was completed in the 17th century. The church is also known because, on the Friday of
Holy Week, the
Procession of the Dead Christ (Processione del Cristo Morto) leaves from this church. This elaborate ritual procession commemorates the passion of Christ. In the past, participating confraternities, including the one of this church, included
flagellants. However, the procession still includes white-gowned members anonymously parading under
capirotes, carrying statues of the dead Christ and the
Madonna Addolorata. In a near hypnotic ceremonial spectacle that has persisted for centuries, as they wend through and around the town, they highlight the objects of the
Passion, clatter with metal cow-bell-like instruments, light cauldrons of flames, and chant a
Miserere. ==References==