A church dedicated to St. Michael was erected in the center of the ancient forum of the Roman city in the eighth century , and then a hospital and a monastery.

The renovation of the church of San Michele in Foro began around 1070, by Pope Alexander II . Work on the new church, with columns and Corinthian capitals , were done in mid- twelfth century.

Parallel to this stage of construction, the steeple of the church of St. Michael was raised, which was then cut by Giovanni dell’Agnello , Doge of Pisa 1364-1368 , because the sound of its bells could be heard to Pisa and it was a sign of superiority over the city.