Tempietto of San Michele Arcangelo (Perugia)

Ancient early Christian church with a circular plan, surrounded by a small lawn. It is a very suggestive place, it remains a little off the tourist track, but the walk is worthwhile both for the particular structure of the church and for the feeling of peace and meditation that it transmits.

The church was probably built on the foundations of a Mithraeum or an ancient round temple or even an Etruscan round building. In the Middle Ages the building served as a parish church. At the end of the 15th century the building, which was probably already dilapidated, was partially demolished and used as a military fortress. However, in the 16th century Cardinal Tiberio Crispo ordered a restoration. During another restoration in 1948, remains of frescoes were discovered.

This church with the patronage “SAN MICHELE” was dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The name (coming from the Hebrew language) means “Who is like God?” He is often depicted - in paintings or as a statue - with a flaming sword, and occasionally a lance. Michael is - together with Raphael and Gabriel, occasionally Uriel is also included - one of the three or four archangels who (according to human understanding) occupy the highest rank in the heavenly hierarchy of angelic beings. Their common feast day in the saints' calendar is September 29th.