Mother Church in Librizzi

Librizzi is a small municipality in the Metropolitan city of Messina. The most important church in the country, the Mother Church, is the one entitled to San Michele Arcangelo.

Ancient and seemingly inaccessible, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo di Librizzi it rises in the upper part of the town, which can be reached by crossing a maze of narrow streets uphill. Those who reach the top will be able to admire the beautiful XNUMXth century sacred building and observe what, as legend has it, was the site where an ancient castle once stood.

La history of the Mother Church of Librizzi it was very troubled, in fact the cross on top of the church bell tower was struck by lightning and the structure gave way; the last restoration of the Church dates back to 2020.

An ancient is kept inside the Mother Church statue of St. Michael, whose history reminds us of epidemics of plague and fires, journeys and kidnappings and finally, the triumphal arrival in Librizzi.

The architecture of the Mother Church in Librizzi and the works it houses

The Mother Church in Librizzi is a large building built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, in which the XNUMXth century bell tower is incorporated.

The building, of a pink color, is quite simple on the outside: the main facade, which is accessed via a staircase, is devoid of ornaments, with the exception of the massive marble brick frame that surrounds the single portal. The frame is surmounted by a tympanum with a central decoration in relief.

Rectangular windows open from the upper order, while the lateral and rear openings are circular in shape.

The bell tower contrasts with its light color with the central body of the Church: it is not much taller than the building and has a belfry with single lancet windows, from which the bell can be seen.

Entering the Church, despite the simple appearance of the exterior, one can admire enormous works of art such as the wooden statue of the Archangel Michael made in Naples: due to its extraordinary beauty, legend has it that the statue was spared Messina stake, in which all the objects from Naples were burned, a city where at the time, in 1656, an epidemic of plague had broken out. Also because of its splendor, the statue was also the subject of a dispute between Messina and Librizzi, for the custody of the simulacrum, which finally managed to reach the Mother Church of Librizzi. Another work to be admired is the marble statue by Gagini, depicting the Madonna della Catena.

What to do in the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Librizzi and in the surrounding area

Entering the Mother Church in Librizzi you can follow Mass and admire the works of art that are kept in the Church, especially the wonderful statues.

A stay in Librizzi, however, also offers you much more: among the sacred buildings in the town, there is the Church of the Chain, while with a walk you can reach the millstones carved into the stone ei ruins of windmills. Those who love museums will find that of Memory and Migration, while those who prefer to walk in the open air can undertake the Librizzi-Pantano-Portella Due Croci trail, an excursion that will take you to 860 meters above sea level Those who cannot do without the sea, on the other hand, with a short journey of 13 km will reach the Caves of Mongiove, an incredible beach where the rock has freed its imagination in splendid natural architectures, which meet with the spectacle of crystalline waters.

During your stay in Librizzi, also taste all the delicacies of this land: Majorcan e Nebrodi Provola are among the most popular cheeses, while among cured meats, those of black pigs are the most popular. Taste the oil with homemade bread and at the restaurant order stuffed leg of lamb or aubergine caponata, to taste the real flavors of Sicily.

How is it possible to get to the Mother Church in Librizzi

Librizzi, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, can be easily reached both by car and by train: by car, from the A20 Messina-Buonfornello take the exit for Patti, which is only 6 km from the town; with the train, get off at the Patti San Piero-Patti station, less than 6 km away, and continue by bus or shuttle.