Built on structures dating from the Byzantine period, it was enlarged in 1543 at the initiative of the Confraternity of Holy Cross, as indicated by an inscription on the facade; the flooring is from the 19th century.
It is assumed that the church was built in two stages: first the main nave, then the part that forms the chancel and houses the altar.
The building, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, is located on the northern slope of the town, at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill, also called Santa Rughe because of the presence at its summit of an iron cross, presumably to be related to the worship of the Passion of Christ practiced by the Confraternity itself.
The area is of great archaeological importance as the focal point of the Roman city (Gurulis Vetus) of which it was likely the acropolis.
