In the heart of Monsampietro Morico, in Piazza Roma, stands the “Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo” (Church of St. Michael Archangel), an example of Neoclassical architecture that conveys centuries of Marche history. Completed in 1699, this out-of-town church represents a unicum in the local architectural scene due to its unusual design by Molise architect Giuseppe Desiato of Agnone, as it is distinguished by its twin towers flanking the façade. The church was built thanks to the generosity of Canon Michele Caucci (1622-1702), a distinguished son of St. Elpidiuccio who wanted to provide his hometown a place of worship befitting its importance. The project included not only the church, but also the rectory, sacristy and an attached public school, where the first teacher was parish priest Don Luigi Rocchi. Inside, the church features a single nave with four side altars serving as chapels, cleverly designed to appear larger than its actual size. Particularly striking are the small arches connecting the side pilasters, added after the devastating 1703 earthquake, serving as structural reinforcement. In 1960, at the behest of parish priest Fr. Giulio Giosuè, the church acquired an artistic heritage of inestimable value when sacred art treasures from the old, now deconsecrated parish church were transferred here. These include Vittore Crivelli’s Triptych with lunette and the precious alabaster Madonnina of Pisan manufacture, as well as a composite silver processional Cross and a three-dimensional Reliquary. Another prominent benefactor was Monsignor Michele Albertini Ricci (1778-1855), a member of the Arcadia of Rome and Apostolic Protonotary, who enriched the church with improvements and founded a hospital for the village’s sick poor, reflecting the social commitment of the local religious community.
