Church of San Michele Arcangelo

The rebuilt ancient parish church that houses the Madonna of the Ear of Corn

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History of the Parish

The original parish church was dedicated to the Madonna and stood outside the castle walls near the fortress, erected in the 5th century. Having fallen into ruin in the 16th century, in 1605 the parish was transferred to the church of San Michele, built by the Dominican Father Gravina, becoming "Parish of S. Maria in S. Michele".

The church was consecrated only in 1774 by the Bishop of Imola Cardinal Bandi during the feast of the Madonna of the Ear of Corn on the day of the Holy Trinity. In 1930 it was rebuilt, and of the original temple only the baptismal font is preserved, still the oldest in the entire Santerno Valley. During the bombings of the Second World War, only the bell tower resisted, while the church was rebuilt after the war.

Gallery

Church of San Michele Arcangelo
View of the church
High altar
Chapel of San Michele with the icon of the Madonna of the Ear of Corn

Memory of the Twentieth Century

The chapel of San Michele houses the icon of the Madonna of the Ear of Corn, venerated since 1774 when the church was consecrated by Cardinal Bandi during the feast of the Trinity. The baptismal font, which survived the war destruction, represents the oldest in the Santerno Valley and testifies to the continuity of faith in this sacred place.

During the devastating bombings of 1944, while much of the church was destroyed, the bell tower resisted the harsh attacks, becoming a symbol of the community's resilience. The church was then rebuilt by the population after the war, preserving the memory of the ancient temple.

Living San Michele

Patronal Feast

On the last Sunday of September, the statue of the archangel is carried in procession to the village square, accompanied by the local band.

Music and Choirs

The vaults of the church offer surprising acoustics: the place is chosen for choir rehearsals and sacred music concerts organized by the Pro Loco on summer evenings.

Thematic Itineraries

San Michele is a stop on itineraries dedicated to the architecture of reconstruction and places of memory in the Santerno Valley, with guided tours for schools and groups.