Church of San Michele al Monte

Chiesetta S.Michele al Monte (Porto Valtravaglia)
Church of San Michele al Monte
The millennial church of San Michele al Monte is located in the area of the current municipality of Porto Valtravaglia, at about 820 meters.
The church of San Michele al Mt. was built to ensure that people who lived in the mountains during spring and summer could attend religious services.
The small church of San Michele al Monte has a very simple structure: about 30 square meters, with a semicircular apse facing east according to ancient tradition. The apse, the oldest part of the small church, dating from the second half of the 11th century, features well-aligned rows of stones and pebbles with clear fish-hook bands. The sacristy and bell tower are believed to have been added in the 19th century.
In 1965 the roof of the sacristy collapsed. In 2000 the roof was completely rebuilt and walls and foundations were restored.
Discoveries followed: in 2001, important frescoes from the 11th to 14th centuries were discovered and restored. Already described in the 15th century, they were later hidden under new paving, and the church was even used to house tools and animals.
Text: Porto Valtravaglia Parish

Nice restaurant with typical Italian menu. Visit is worthwhile

Wonderful small village with an old church in the mountains.