Church of San Michele in Montalbano ELicona
The Church of San Michele in Montalbano Elicona is the first religious building to be built outside the fortified center of the village.
It was built in the 13th century, and throughout its history it has been used for various purposes: up to in 1740 a building used as a retreat for the Priests was annexed to it; while from 1878 the adjacent space was used as Campo Santo.
The simple gabled facade is made of exposed stone, and has a stone portal surmounted by a rectangular window.
The interior has a single nave separated from the presbytery by a portal dating back to the 17th century. In correspondence with the altar there is a large niche with a rectangular section.
Under the floor there is a crypt used as an ossuary. According to historical documents, in 1844 the noble Mariannina Mastropaolo buried her sister Serafina in this place. The tomb was connected to a tunnel, which is believed to have previously been used as an escape route, which passed under the sacristy. Recent restoration works on the flooring have closed access.
