Provostry of San Michele Arcangelo

The Provostry of San Michele Arcangelo stands in the upper part of the village of Chiusdino. Its current appearance is due to numerous remodelings throughout the centuries. Originally the structure was probably a modest oratory for the few inhabitants of the Bishop’s castle, gripping onto the top of the hillock.

The size of the building was initially altered in the late 13ᵗʰ century, when the expansion of the settlement beyond the first circle of walls forced the parish priests to move inside the castle. 

Further enlargements took place in the first half of the 17ᵗʰ century, when the interior was entirely adorned with Baroque stucco and decorations. Four side chapels were added which, starting from the right of the entrance door, were dedicated to Saint Rita, the Immaculate Conception, Saint Anthony of Padua and Our Lady of the Rosary. Three of these chapels remain today.
The bell tower was probably built in this same period, enriched in the 19ᵗʰ century with the upper crowning in brick. 

In 1733, the parish of Chiusdino was granted the title of Provostry, meaning it held a higher status than a regular parish while the provost was granted certain privileges, including authority over the parish priests in the area.

The 1960s brought further changes—the interior of the church was stripped of its Baroque decorations and its five altars were removed. It was not until the 2003 restoration that the church took on its present appearance, with the restoration of some altar-like structures along the sides of the nave.  

One highlight is the small cell at the base of the bell tower, made to hold the relic of the Head of Saint Galgano, preserved in a precious silver container with a modern form, made by Florentine goldsmith Bino Bini.
In addition, a plaque recalls how the church was once a burial ground in use until the 19ᵗʰ century when, as a result of Napoleonic legislation, cemeteries were compulsorily relocated outside settlements.