Chiesa di S. Michele di Sant'Angelo all'Esca

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo (Saint Michael the Archangel) is located in Largo San Michele, in the historic centre of Sant’Angelo all’Esca.

The building, which dates back to the 12th-13th century, has a primitive floor plan. The structure has been extensively altered through a series of restorations and refurbishments, most recently at the end of the 19th century, as indicated on the stone plaque outside the main façade.

Today, the Church has majestic stone portals decorated in neoclassical-late Baroque style and surmounted by a lancet window. It stands next to a large three-level bell tower with a polygonal dome. Inside the Church, which has a regular floor plan, there are various artworks including the high altar, made from finely-worked varicoloured marble and dating from 1752. Noteworthy is the small throne by the Neapolitan artist Francesco Nasti. In the alcove is a wooden sculpture of Saint Michael the Archangel, which is attributed to Giacomo Colombo (1663-1731). In the altar apse is an iconic portrait of Saint Michael defeating the Rebel Angels, which dates from 1910 as does the organ. A number of wall paintings depict important scenes from the life of Christ, by the Florentine painter Ugo Bargellini: "Annunciation", "Nativity", "Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem", "The Last Supper" and "The Risen Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane".

As an artistic and religious landmark for the local community, the Church of San Michele is noted for the effigy of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Michael defeating the Rebel Angels, painted on the ceiling and attributed to Michele Ricciardi (1672-1753).