The Church of Santa Croce is one of the oldest buildings in the village of Artena and stands commanding the surrounding landscape, in the highest part of the Lepini Mountains. Its construction dates back to 1100 and it is built in the Baroque style, with two adjoining square bell towers crowned by an octagonal pavilion: these rise on either side of the façade, forming a single architectural unit with the church.

The church was built at the behest of Prince Giovan Battista Borghese, designed by the architect Domenico Terzago and constructed by the master mason Franco Buratti. It has two sacristies: one intended for the parish priest and the other for the archpriest of the Chapter of Santa Maria. Both have two doors providing access either to the church or to the choir.