Church of San Michele Arcangelo

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is a Romanesque building with a Latin cross plan, single nave, and semicircular apse. Its interior holds 13th-century frescoes showing Christ and angels, while beneath the surface extend ancient crypt passages divided into multiple chambers and gallery spaces.

The sanctuary was established in 763 and dedicated to Saint Victorinus, a 5th-century martyr whose burial lies beneath the structure. Over centuries, it developed as a pilgrimage site, with the underground crypt chambers preserving features from the early Christian era.

The name honors the Archangel Michael, reflecting its importance in local religious practice. Underground, the crypt passages decorated with scenes of Saint Victorinus's martyrdom show how the space served as a sacred memorial for believers.

The building has undergone major restoration and presents well-maintained interior spaces for exploration. The underground crypt areas involve walking through narrow passages, so visitors should be comfortable navigating limited spaces and uneven surfaces.

The catacombs beneath the church date back to the 5th century and show how early Christians buried their dead in underground networks. These chambers were expanded and used across generations, offering rare glimpses into early Christian burial practices.

Location: L’Aquila

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Address: Fraz. San Vittorino - L'Aquila

Phone: +390862461695

Email: info@diocesilaquila.it

GPS coordinates: 42.39666,13.31454

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:16