Sunday 19 July 2015

The Collegiata Church of San Michele Arcangelo

For a small village Panicale has an amazing number of churches. There have been eight that I know of and most are now used as exhibition spaces, museums and music venues.
The largest of the churches is the Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo in the centre of the village. It was founded in the 10th & 11th centuries, enlarged in 1546 and rebuilt in the  17th century. We were pleased to see that the scaffolding that was on the facade last year has been removed so presumably the restoration work there has been completed.

San Michele is one of two churches still celebrating the mass. This is a huge church for such a small place and inside it enthralls with its mix of arts and styles. There are 17th century frescoes, a Nativity by Giovanni Battista Caporali dating from 1519, some unusual glass windows, a very old processional crucifix and even chandeliers.

A feature which I enjoy is the ringing of the bells half an hour before the service, again a quarter hour before and finally again at the appointed hour. There is no excuse for being late!

It is a special experience to go to mass in this dark but characterful and amazing old church.

 The rear of San Michele church from Piazza Umberto I

 Part of the front of the church from Piazza San Michele

The interior looking towards the altar

One of four unusual glass windows



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