San Michele Arcangelo is a Catholic church located in Perugia.
One of the most ancient early Christian churches in Italy (5th-6th Centuries), it was most likely built on the remains of a Roman temple, itself built on land sacred to the Etruscans. Also called Orlando’s Pavilion, Temple of St. Michael the Archangel, Temple of St. Angelo, Temple of Porta Sant’Angelo or Tempietto, this church stands on one of the highest points of the city and can be reached by climbing up through Corso Garibaldi and crossing a narrow driveway. A small green courtyard leads to the building. The structure retains typical Roman features. The interior consists of two concentric compartments, separated by sixteen repurposed Roman columns with Corinthian capitals, and four chapels arranged in the shape of a Greek cross. There are 12 windows to allow a bright light to grace the space.
Mystery enthusiasts passing through Perugia cannot fail to pay a visit to this church. Indeed, very peculiar symbols appear inside. On the entrance jambs and around the neck of the Madonna in one of the frescoes, patent crosses can be seen: representations linked to the mystical universe of the Templars, a religious brotherhood of the Middle Ages whose legendary history is full of secrets and enigmas. A few meters from the entrance, moreover, a pentagram makes its appearance, a symbol linked to the cult of Venus, associated with black magic in the Middle Ages.
