Church of San Michele in Palazzolo Acreide
The Church of San Michele in Palazzolo Acreide is one of the most important sacred buildings in the city.
Like many buildings in the village, the Church of San Michele was also rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake but its original construction must be placed between the 15th and XVI century. The project of the new church and the facade is by Giuseppe Ferrara master builder-architect who played an important role in the design of various monuments of Palazzolo Acreide rebuilt after the earthquake.
The facade, divided into two orders, is preceded by a elegant staircase. The first order of the church facade is a typical example of the "minor" Baroque: essential but masterful in the carvings of the capitals, pillars, pilasters, entablatures and arms. Two Corinthian style columns frame the central portal. There are also two shell niches. The bell tower and the elegant bell tower enclosed by an agile dome are noteworthy.
The interior of the church, simple and elegant, is divided into three naves, has lateral round arches and white stone and shaft columns smooth with Corinthian capitals. The main altar has polychrome marble.
Among the works kept in the church of particular value are: a precious walnut wardrobe in the sacristy, a refined ivory crucifix; a small coral and alabaster masterpiece depicting St. Michael killing the dragon; the seventeenth-century painting of San Michele, located behind the high altar, by Antonino Bova before the 1693 earthquake; the wooden statue of San Michele probably carved at the end of the 16th century.
