“Precotto’s beacon of faith” someone once called it. Here before us stands the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Michele Arcangelo. This church is more than just a building. It is a testament to centuries of devotion.
The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Michele Arcangelo has a rich history. It begins with a small chapel built around the 7th century. The Longobards likely built it. They held Saint Michael the Archangel in high esteem.
Precotto became an autonomous parish in 1596. This was thanks to a decree by Archbishop Federico Borromeo. A notary confirmed it. His name was Bartolomeo Ormezano.
The original Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo needed work. It was not big enough for the growing number of worshippers. So it was rebuilt between 1604 and 1605.
In 1756, Archbishop Giuseppe Pozzobonelli visited. He learned that the parish had a priest and an assistant. About 300 people were part of the congregation. The Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo also had an affiliation. It was with the Oratory of Santa Maria Maddalena.
By the mid-19th century, the church was again too small. The parishioners asked Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria to rebuild it in 1857. Architect Emanuele Odazio created the plans in 1863. The first stone was laid on June 11, 1865. A little over a year later, the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo was finished. The blessing ceremony occurred on October 14, 1866.
In 1898, under the leadership of Father Luigi Cislaghi, the church’s interior was enhanced. The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Michele Arcangelo was consecrated three years later. Archbishop Andrea Carlo Ferrari performed the ceremony. The facade with rustication was completed in 1906.
Changes continued into the 20th century. In 1966, the altar was changed to face the congregation. This followed new guidelines. In 1972, the parish became part of the Turro deanery. This was part of a reorganization by Cardinal Giovanni Colombo.
The facade is divided into two sections by a molded string course. The lower section features three entry portals. Niches house statues of Saint Michael and the Madonna. The upper section has a lunette window. A triangular tympanum with an oculus tops it off.
The bell tower has a square base. Each side of the cell has a single-light window. A cupola rests on a drum above.
Inside, the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo has a single nave. Side chapels open onto it. Arches introduce these chapels. Pilasters support the entablature. A lowered barrel vault covers the space. The presbytery is raised by three steps. Balustrades mark it off. The sacristy and the Chapel of San Giuseppe are nearby. A semicircular apse completes the structure.
Several precious works are housed here. These include the Via Crucis by Luigi Morgari. The choir stalls have images of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Francesco Barzaghi created the bas-relief of the Deposition of Christ. Edoardo Rossi built the organ in 1911. Luigi Tagliaferri from Lecco signed paintings in 1898.
The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Michele Arcangelo stands as a testament. It shows the enduring faith of Precotto’s community. Its walls echo with centuries of prayers and stories. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and history.