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Church of Archangel St Michael in Veroli: local art, reconstructions and Easter traditions
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is located in Veroli, in the Ciociaria area. First mentioned in a 10th-century document preserved in the Cathedral Archive, what we can see today is actually a 19th-century reconstruction. With the population growing, the old church was no longer big enough.
From hospital to church
In 1235, a hospital for those suffering from "chest diseases" (usually tuberculosis) was built next to the church. The original sacred building stood for centuries, until in the 19th century it was decided to rebuild it from scratch. Engineer Fortunato Mattei drew up the plans, and works began in 1859. The building’s ancient origins are confirmed by the tombstones in the pronaos.
What you can see inside
On the main altar there is a copy of Guido Reni's Archangel St Michael, painted by Veroli-born painter Vincenzo Bubali (1837–1920). In 1943, Rodolfo Mauti decorated the interior, and that same year — thanks to donations from soldiers and parishioners — a chapel housing a 16th-century fresco of Our Lady of Grace was embellished.
The Easter Sepulchre, a tradition since 1930
The church is best known for the "Sepulchre" set up during the Easter Triduum. Ever since 1930, local artists from Veroli have made due preparations at Easter time.
