Visit Eglise San Michele de Murato, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Corsica.
Constructed in the distinctive Pisan style this unrivaled architectural wonder harmoniously integrated into its enchanting natural surroundings is a true testament to Corsica’s Christendom in the Middle Ages.
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LOCATION OF EGLISE SAN MICHELE DE MURATO
San Michele occupies a solitary position on a hill at the entrance of Murato, a historic village located 23 km south-west of Bastia. Perched at an altitude of 475 m the church overlooks the Gulf of Saint Florent with the fertile soils of the Nebbio, a glorious mist-laden valley famous for yielding some of Corsica’s finest wines. Strategically situated 1 km from the village by the Bevinco River, San Michele not only played a profound religious role during the Pisan rule but also served as the main place of assembly for the local community.
To access the church follow the narrow D5 road winding up the hill for 3.5 km from the Col de Santo Stefano roundabout.
THE CHURCH OF SAN MICHELE DE MURATO
Renowned for the harmonious purity of its form complemented by captivating polychrome masonry Eglise San Michele de Murato is recognized as one of the most arresting examples of Romanesque architecture in Corsica.
With its origins dating back to 1280, the church is decorated in a typical Pisan style marked by two-tone patterns of dark green serpentine and white limestone. The elegant exterior of San Michele is decorated with fascinating sculptural ornaments and elaborate carvings of animals, people, and symbols that give testimony to everyday customs in the Pisan era. Worth examining is a representation of the Garden of Eden where Eve accepts an apple handed out by a serpent wrapped around an apple tree. The carving may be found on the north wall.
Small and simple in form, the church consists of a single east-west oriented nave enclosed by a semicircular apse. The tall bell tower was erected in the 18th century during the restoration works of the building.
The sober interior of the church includes a simple altar and faded 15th-century Annunciation frescos decorating the arch of the apse.
San Michele was classified as a historic monument in 1840 and during the tourist season is open to the public. A guidebook available onsite helps to follow mysterious stories engraved into the dazzling stonework. Patronal feast celebrations are held on 8th May.
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