Church of San Michele Arcangelo

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo, located in Brugnetto, is an important monument that combines art and history. Originally built in the Middle Ages, the church has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries, including post-earthquake restorations. Inside, there are works of art of great value, such as the altarpiece of St. Michael, the Crucifix and Our Lady of the Rosary, all created by anonymous 18th-century artists. The church is also decorated with frescoes by Marcantonio Bedini. A place that represents the faith, devotion and history of the community of Brugnetto.

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo, located in Brugnetto, a small hamlet in the municipality of Trecastelli, represents an important point of reference for the local rural community, housing valuable artistic and spiritual testimonies. While the patron saint of the hamlet is Sant’Ubaldo, celebrated every third Sunday of May, the patron saint of the church is San Michele Arcangelo, whose feast day falls on September 29th.

The origins of the church probably date back to the Early Middle Ages, when the center of Brugnetto owned a small church located near the Misa River. However, due to frequent flooding, a new building was built around 1500, away from the risk area. In 1594, Bishop Ridolfi, finding the church in a state of decay, decided to proceed with its reconstruction. This new building remained in use for about two centuries, until, in 1789, Count Angelo Antonelli, appointed Bursar for the construction of the church, contributed, together with other benefactors and the local community, to the construction of the current parish structure.

Damaged by the 1930 earthquake, the church was restored thanks to the contribution of papal generosity, which also allowed the restoration of the adjoining rectory.

Inside, the altarpiece dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel captures attention. Created in the 18th century by an unknown artist, the canvas depicts the Archangel with refined beauty and harmonious proportions. This work is an exact copy of the canvas commissioned from the famous Guido Reni by Cardinal Antonio Barberini. In the chapel on the left, however, there is an altarpiece depicting the Crucifix, with the battered face of the Redeemer and a background thick with darkness, illuminated by a reddish sun, typical of the late eighteenth-century style.

Another element of artistic importance is the canvas of Our Lady of the Rosary, located in the right side chapel. In the upper part is represented the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, while in the lower part, on the left, is Saint Ubaldo Bishop, who implores blessing for the village of Gubbio, and on the right, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino on his knees. Around the canvas are arranged fifteen medallions representing the Mysteries of the Rosary, biblical scenes that tell the story of salvation with delicate and harmonious colors. The style recalls the influence of the painter Domenico Corvi or one of his more experienced students.

Another important eighteenth-century painting, located beneath Our Lady of the Rosary, depicts the Blessed Virgin of Mercy, an image of Mary of great humility and tenderness, much venerated by the community.

The fourteen Stations of the Cross, painted in oil on canvas by an unknown 18th-century artist, are of considerable artistic value. Furthermore, the vault, apse and walls of the church are frescoed by Marcantonio Bedini, a painter originally from Ostra, who belonged to a family of artists, decorators and restorers.