The church of the Archangel
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is among the town’s oldest: a probable Benedictine priory founded in the Norman age — a 1134 diploma documents it among the dependencies promoted by Count Roger — and a parish since the 14th century. The interior has three naves on ten columns of local stone, dedicated to the celestial warrior, one of the most recurring figures in Sicilian popular worship.
Photography by Nicola Biondo
The building has been documented by local photographer Nicola Biondo, whose research on Nicosia’s sacred heritage helps keep the visual knowledge of the historic centre’s churches up to date. The collaboration with Vivi Nicosia makes the material publicly available, always with explicit attribution.
Feast of Saint Michael
Saint Michael the Archangel is celebrated on 29 September (feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael). In Nicosia the occasion includes a solemn mass in the dedicated church; the definitive programme is published annually by the Diocese.
To visit
- Regular opening: the 29 September feast.
- On request: contact the Cathedral Parish or the Municipal Tourism Office for access outside the celebrations.
- Combine with: walking tour of the historic centre, which includes several minor churches along the route (see experience).