Basilica of Sant'Angelo di Acri

There is a strong and indissoluble bond between Sant'Angelo and Acri. When you visit this town, you will discover that everything here is steeped in the cult of the Capuchin friar defined as ‘’the apostle of Calabrie‘’, who was always on the side of the poor and needy.

The Basilica dedicated to him is a place full of sacredness, faith and art. Construction was completed in 1898, but unfortunately over time earthquakes and seepage have done much damage, particularly damaging the paintings by the Neapolitan painter Vincenzo Montefusco that adorned the church.

Stop to look at the magnificent bronze door, which has an almost record-breaking weight of 54 quintals. On it are depicted the seven theological virtues, Jesus with his Disciples, and the papal coat of arms with the elevation to minor basilica by Pope John Paul II. On the façade are four statues by sculptor Ernesto Biondi. The two bell towers and the dome stand 32 metres high.

Inside, the church is beautiful. You can admire no less than twelve chapels arranged in two rows. In the central one, the body of Sant'Angelo is preserved in a bronze and glass urn, wrapped - almost like an embrace - in the striking mosaic created by Father Ugolino da Belluno.

Together with the Saint's relics, this sacred building houses relics that belonged to him and publications and documents on his life. The interior of the basilica has barrel vaults and is frescoed with scenes depicting the miracles performed by the saint that contributed so much to his popularity and popularity.