Terra Murata, 80079 Procida NA
The ancient religious complex of Terra Murata in Procida, one of the most important in Southern Italy, features a Baroque church, a museum, and a panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples.
The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo is the religious and historical heart of Terra Murata, the oldest village on Procida. Its origins date back to the 11th century, when it was founded as a Benedictine monastery. Over the centuries, it has undergone destruction, transformation, and expansion, shaping its current stratified structure, with architectural elements ranging from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.
The building extends over multiple levels: the upper church, with a basilica plan and three naves, and the lower museum complex, which houses a historic library, artwork, sacred furnishings, and the famous Neapolitan nativity scene. The interior is richly decorated with gilded wooden ceilings, side altars, and 17th-century paintings, including a depiction of Saint Michael defeating the devil.
Beyond its religious significance, the abbey has played a central role in the cultural and political life of the island, serving as a spiritual and administrative hub over the centuries. Its position, about 90 meters above sea level, also offers one of the most spectacular views of Procida, with panoramas that extend over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.