San Michele Arcangelo (Busto Arsizio)

San Michele Arcangelo, known locally as Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, stands proudly in the heart of Busto Arsizio, Italy. This remarkable church is not only a spiritual haven but also a testament to the rich tapestry of history that has unfolded in this region over centuries. With its striking baroque façade and storied past, San Michele Arcangelo is a must-visit for anyone exploring the cultural and historical heritage of northern Italy.

The Historical Evolution of San Michele Arcangelo

The origins of San Michele Arcangelo are deeply entwined with the Lombards, who once built a fortification on this very site. This fortification was eventually destroyed in the late 13th century, but the dedication to the archangel Michael, the patron saint of the Lombards, endured. The current church began its journey as a modest chapel within the fort, evolving over time into the grand structure we see today.

In the late 13th or early 14th century, the church was reconstructed in a basilica form, featuring a single nave and three semicircular apses. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous transformations to accommodate the growing congregation and enhance its architectural splendor. The most significant reconstruction occurred between 1653 and 1679, under the direction of Francesco Maria Ricchino, which included reversing the church's orientation due to spatial constraints imposed by the surrounding fortifications.

Architectural Marvels

The exterior of San Michele Arcangelo is a feast for the eyes. The baroque façade, completed in 1796 and later restored in the 20th century, is adorned with Ionic pilasters and Corinthian lesenes, creating a harmonious balance of elegance and grandeur. The central portal, flanked by marble columns and topped with a relief of the Madonna and Child, invites visitors into a sacred space that has been lovingly preserved through the ages.

Dominating the skyline is the ancient campanile, a relic of the original Lombard fortification and the oldest structure in Busto Arsizio. Constructed from stone and cobbles, the tower's upper sections feature decorative brickwork and arches, culminating in a belfry added in 1559. The campanile houses a set of twelve bells, expanded from the original three in 1889, which continue to resonate across the town.

A Journey Through the Interior

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a Latin cross layout with a single vaulted nave flanked by ten chapels. Each chapel is a treasure trove of art and history, showcasing works from various periods. Notable among them is the Chapel of the Crucifix, home to a 16th-century wooden crucifix and a painting attributed to the school of Ambrogio da Fossano, depicting the Virgin with the Deposed Christ and angels.

The Chapel of San Felice and the Relics is another highlight, housing the urn of San Felice and a collection of reliquaries from the 16th and 17th centuries. The art continues with the Chapel of San Francesco di Paola, featuring paintings of the saint's miraculous deeds.

The Artistic Legacy

The church's artistic narrative extends to its ceilings and walls, where frescoes by Angelo Galloni and Ettore Chiodo Grandi illustrate biblical scenes and the triumph of Christ. These vibrant images, completed in the mid-20th century, bring to life the spiritual stories that have inspired generations of worshippers.

Behind the main altar lies the Mascioni organ, opus 603, built in 1945. This magnificent instrument, with its 40 registers and dual keyboards, adds a musical dimension to the church's rich sensory experience.

The Mortuary Chapel

Adjacent to the church is the Mortuary Chapel, constructed between 1761 and 1764 by Biagio Bellotti. This unique structure serves as a bridge between the church and the former parish houses, once part of the ancient cemetery. Its elliptical windows and intricate wrought ironwork are a testament to the elegance of the barocchetto teresiano style.

In conclusion, San Michele Arcangelo is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of art, history, and devotion. Its walls echo the prayers of centuries, and its art tells stories that transcend time. For those visiting Busto Arsizio, a journey through San Michele Arcangelo is an unforgettable exploration of the sacred and the sublime.