The deconsecrated Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Tivoli is currently used only for exhibitions. It is located between the old Palazzo Civico and the medieval tower house in what used to be the city’s main square in the Middle Ages, Piazza Palatina.
A brief history of the church of San Michele Arcangelo in Tivoli
The church dates back to the 12th century and is built in Romanesque style. Initially run by the Benedictine order, in 1340 it was taken over by the monks of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Olivet. In the early 19th century, the church was given to the Irish Dominican Order in Rome.
A parish church until 1920, San Michele Arcangelo was deconsecrated after World War II. At that time, it had already been used for a while as headquarters of the local Red Cross. After the war, it became property of the city of Tivoli.
What to see
The main features of the facade are the portal and the fresco inside the tympanum, which shows a barely discernable St. Michael.
The campanile is a 14th century addition.
The chapel to the left of the main altar is dedicated to San Giacomo Apostolo and was the private chapel of the influential Teobaldi family. One member of the family, Giacomo, was buried in the church in 1472. One of the city’s main streets is still called after the family.
Iozio Ranieri, member of of another influential family, was also buried inside the church. Their tombstones depict the men themselves in the costumes of the period.
Useful Information
Address: Piazza Palatina – 00019 – Tivoli – RM – Italia (Note: There is now a new church of the same name in Via Cinque Giornate).
San Michele Arcangelo Church, Tivoli
Sources
- Touring Club Italiano, Guida d’Italia – Lazio.
- Tibursuperbum website
- All photos are my own, unless otherwise indicated.