The Church of St Michael the Archangel is the cathedral of Rapolla and co-cathedral of the Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa, a building that encapsulates centuries of history marked by destruction, reconstruction and continuous renovation. The earliest records of a bishop’s seat date back to 1037, whilst the town suffered severe devastation in 1183, when it was destroyed by the inhabitants of Melfi. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1253 thanks to Melchiorre da Montalbano, marking a new phase for the town in the Lucania region.

Over the centuries, Rapolla and its cathedral were repeatedly struck by earthquakes and wars, leading to numerous restoration and alteration works. The current building is therefore the result of a historical layering, in which original elements coexist with later additions, often constructed by reusing materials from previous structures.

The church has a three-nave layout, marked by sturdy pillars that lend a sense of solidity and rhythm to the interior. Among the most significant features is the main portal, in the Lombard style, which is one of the most interesting examples of medieval sculpture in the area.

Also of great value are the bas-reliefs carved by Mastro Sarolo along the right-hand wall of the church, depicting scenes such as Adam and Eve and the Annunciation. On a pillar in the central nave, there are also figures of animals – cobras, bats and felines – symbols with strong allegorical significance, typical of medieval iconography.

The apse houses an imposing 14th-century wooden crucifix, made of painted wood and characterised by a cross of unusual shape, resembling a shrub with branches, an element that accentuates its symbolic value. In the left-hand chapel, meanwhile, there is a precious Byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child, dating back to the 12th century, bearing witness to the presence and cultural influence of the Byzantines in the area.

The Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel is today the religious heart of Rapolla, a place where art, faith and history blend into a evocative whole, capable of telling the story of a region deeply marked by time yet still rich in charm.