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The Church of Archangel St Michael in Sonnino: a corner of Burgundy in the Monti Lepini
On the summit of the Sant'Angelo hill, in the heart of Sonnino, stands the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Built in 1210, enlarging an existing chapel, it is one of the most significant examples of Cistercian Gothic architecture in southern Lazio. Its austere design, almost a piece of France transplanted into the Monti Lepini, makes it truly unique. Since 1947, it has also served as the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace).
The legacy of Fossanova
Its construction is closely tied to the nearby Abbey of Fossanova. The same Cistercian craftsmen, having completed their work on the abbey consecrated in 1208, moved on to this site. They brought with them the essential style that can be found in the pointed arches defining the single, broad nave. A structure that is both simple and powerful.
Details to discover inside
To the left of the entrance is the Chapel of St Sebastian, originally built as the feudal lord's private chapel and later restored and adorned by the Caetani d'Aragona family, as attested by their coat of arms inside. But the eye is drawn to a more curious detail: a stone sculpture of a two-headed lion that once served as the base for a paschal candle. The true heart of the sanctuary, however, remains the icon of the Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace), a work of the Byzantine school dating to the 13th century.
Entry to the church is free. Tourist visits are possible outside the hours of religious services. For up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the parish or the Municipality of Sonnino.
