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The Church of Archangel St Michael and the dark legend of the seven friars
In the heart of the Simbruini Mountains, in the village of Jenne, stands a small rural church with a remarkable story. The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is bound to the legend of seven friars slain by brigands. According to local tradition, the name of the surrounding plain — the Frassetta — derives from that very event. This modest building contains within it a grim yet compelling tale.
The story behind the name
The people of the village have passed this story down through the centuries. Long ago, seven monks watched over the sacred building, then known as Sancti Angeli. They were all massacred during a brigand raid. This brutal event left its mark on the memory of the place forever. And so the plain, the only flat and cultivable land in Jenne, came to be known as Frassetta, a popular contraction of "Frati sette", meaning "seven friars". A name that is also a memorial.
From abandonment to rebirth
For a long time the church lay deconsecrated and abandoned. But the local community never forgot its significance. Thanks to restoration work completed in 2002, the building was rescued and reopened for worship under its current name. Today its simple rural architecture remains, a spiritual and historical landmark for all those exploring the trails around Jenne.
The church is located in the Frassetta district, in the municipality of Jenne (RM). As it is a rural church, opening hours may vary. It is advisable to check visiting arrangements with the Pro Loco or the Municipality of Jenne before making the journey.
