Church of St. Michael the Archangel

The exterior of this parish church is somewhat grim and safe, its red brick facade and bright stone steps more reminiscent of a town hall than a religious building.

But don’t be discouraged.

Notable inside is the 15th-century baptismal font, built of brick and crowned with small arches and central rose window.

The baptismal font was built at the same time as the church, and although the church has been renovated over the years, the font has remained intact as a stoic reminder of the building’s unique architecture.

Opposite the baptismal font are two elegant altars adorned with beautiful 17th-century paintings. Both by Francesco Vanni, one is titled “The Crucifixion and Saints Francis, Mark and Sigismund,” while the other is “St. John the Baptist and the Madonna and Child Handing the Scapular to St. Simon,” with ancient Cinigiano as the background.

photo: Michix 2002 via Flickr.