Ruins of the Church of San Michele in Aidone
Morgantia07 - CC1.0
The Church of San Michele in Aidone is now reduced to a state of ruins.
It is assumed that the original building was built in 1150 AD because the bell tower, composed of pointed arches, has characteristics very similar to the contemporary one of the Church of Santa Maria Lo Plano. The convent of the Conventual Fathers of San Francesco D'Assisi was annexed to the church in 1545. In the 16th century the convent was the seat of a secret tribunal of the Inquisition. The complex was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693 and never rebuilt.
Today, the remains of the ancient church remain, now incorporated into a private home, of the entrance portal and the bell tower with three orders of arches in squared white stone. In the bas-relief of one of the arches is sculpted a warrior, identified as Saint Michael, depicted in the act of chasing away the devil.
The remaining traces of the church, with three naves, and of the convent are covered and incorporated into the houses above.
