Pechinie - San Michele Arcangelo Church [8th century?; 16th-19th century]

[8th century?; 16th-19th century]

This is the oldest church in the Natisone Valleys, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, whose worship in these lands dates back to the late antiquity and Lombard period. The small stone masonry building is reached by a stone staircase with 11 steps. The current building dates back to 1545, rebuilt on an earlier structure to repair the damage from the earthquakes in 1511 and 1513, and was further restored in 1873. The main façade has a single opening: the main entrance is defined by a wooden door with a stone frame and a molded pediment above it. There is no bell tower, but a simple bifora with bells above the roof, aligned with the portal. The interior is a single nave with a tiled roof and wooden frame. The dedication to Saint Michael is evidenced by an 19th-century wooden statue placed in the masonry altar. The church is part of the “Cammino delle 44 chiesette votive” (Path of the 44 Votive Churches) in the Natisone Valleys.

Archive Ruttar, Clodig

Ph. Franco Martelli Rossi, Archive Arcidiocesi di Udine, BBCC