Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi
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Longi it's a small village of the area of the Nebrodi, just above the Fitalia stream. In this almost fairy-tale scenario is the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi, Also known as Mother Church, a structure dating back to the XNUMXth century which has undergone several modifications and renovations over time. For those interested in visiting it, here is the useful information.
History of the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi, known for being the Mother Church of the village, has a very long and complex history. Its first construction ended in 1559 but in reality the structure was born on the ruins of a pre-existing medieval church.
Over time, the original architecture has been remodeled and revisited several times, to meet the needs of the faithful but also to adapt to the changing urban planning all around. In the XNUMXth century, then, the church underwent a profound restructuring also linked to some damage that the church had suffered, due to a strong earthquake.
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi, therefore, as it can be admired today by both the faithful and visitors, has a very different appearance from what it should have had in the intentions of its first designers.
Architecture and any works of art present in the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi
From an architectural point of view, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi has a very simple external structure, built with poor materials such as stone, mortar and terracotta. The peculiarity, however, is represented by the fact that it is located in an embankment for which two Sicilian marble stairways have been built to reach the entrance. Another peculiarity is given by the fact that the two sides of the main facade are asymmetrical: the right one, in fact, is characterized by the presence of a fifteenth-century bell tower which has undergone a profound restoration.
Furthermore, a particular mention goes to the entrance portal, an imposing structure built in the XNUMXth century, on which a polychrome stained glass window representing San Michele Arcangelo has been added in recent years. Inside, the church has a typical Latin cross plan, with three naves which are divided by two rows of columns which finally end in an arch with six niches.
What you can do inside the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi
The interior of the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Longi is richly decorated and you can admire some works of art that make it even more beautiful. For example, there is a walnut choir, made in 1654 and completely carved in Baroque, based on the dictates of the then Sicilian school. Obviously it is not the only noteworthy work as you can also admire much more like the marble statue of the Holy Crucifix as well as one which, instead, is the representation of theEcce Homo, both attributed to the school of Giovanni Francesco Pintorno.
Finally to report a statue of Mary Help of Christians, from the XNUMXth century, and one of San Michele Arcangelo which, however, dates back to the XNUMXth century. As for the paintings, visitors will be able to admire large-scale oil paintings that immortalize episodes with the Archangel Michael as the protagonist.
How is it possible to get to Longi
To get to Longi with theauto from Palermo or Messina and thus visit the Church of San Michele Arcangelo it is possible to take the A20 motorway and then continue along the Sp157 to your destination. Those who, on the other hand, wish to travel with the train, will have to use the stations of Sant'Agata di Militello or that of Capo d'Orlando which are the closest, since Longi does not have its own. The journey can then continue with the local buses made available by the AST company.
