The Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, è uno degli edifici religiosi più affascinanti della città
Capace di raccontare stratificazioni storiche che vanno dal periodo longobardo fino al Settecento. Le sue origini sono antichissime, risalenti probabilmente all’VIII o IX secolo, a testimonianza di quanto questo luogo fosse centrale per la comunità sin dall’alto Medioevo.
La chiesa di San Michele ha forme cinquecentesche, con una facciata a capanna con bel portale ligneo (XVII secolo).
The interior, consisting of a single nave, preserves numerous works of art, includingAnnunciazione attributed to Santi di Tito (16th century), Miracolo di San Lorenzo and theApparizione di Cristo alla Maddalena, frescoed panels by Domenico Bamberini (early 18th century). San Benedetto and San Michele Arcangelo che sconfigge il demonio Works by Alessandro Bardelli (early 18th century). Upon crossing the threshold, visitors are welcomed into an environment transformed in the 18th century according to Baroque taste, which redefined its spaces and decorations. However, its medieval soul resurfaces in precious details, such as the remains of 14th-century frescoes that still adorn the walls.
The Ancient Monastery and the Pinacoteca
Located within the complex of the ancient monastery of San Michele, with access from Piazza Matteotti, is the Pinacoteca di San Michele
The Pinacoteca is part of the monumental complex built upon a Benedictine monastery predating the 12th century. The ancient vegetable garden and grounds were reduced in the 1930s to make way for the Public Gardens. On the surrounding wall, the frescoed Margine (shrine) belonging to the Ghirlandaio school (1520) is still present. Over one hundred paintings are preserved in the large refectory, the adjacent rooms (built in the early 1500s), and the church itself. In addition to three precious tempera paintings on wood, there are numerous canvases from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
Notable works include: Madonna with Saints John the Baptist and Michael the Archangel by Giuliano di Simone (1350). Madonna and Child among Musical Angels by Sano di Giorgio da Pistoia (1400). St. Lawrence among Saints Michael and Benedict by Leonardo Malatesta da Pistoia (1550). Last Supper by local artist Fioravante Sansoni da Sorana (1625). Six canvases by the Pescia-born artist Innocenzo Ansaldi (1700s). Madonna and Child Enthroned between Saints and Patron by Ippolito Brunetti (1602).
Today, the ancient monastery houses the "Carlo Lorenzini" State High School, the Pinacoteca, and the parish of San Michele.
