Monte Sant'Angelo, Medieval hilltop town in Gargano, Italy
Description
Monte Sant'Angelo is a commune in the Province of Foggia in Italy, positioned at 796 meters above sea level on a hilltop in the Gargano area. The settlement spreads across limestone terrain, providing views over the Tavoliere plain and the Gulf of Manfredonia.
History
In 493, Archangel Michael is said to have appeared in a grotto, prompting Bishop Maioranus to build a church on the site. The location developed into a center for pilgrims, drawing believers from across Europe over the following centuries.
Culture
The shrine contains a Romanesque bronze door from 1076 with 24 panels showing scenes from scripture, and includes the sacred grotto associated with Archangel Michael. Pilgrims still visit the underground spaces and chapel today, continuing a tradition that has shaped the settlement for centuries.
Practical
The town connects via provincial roads SP.55 and SP.89, with regular bus services running to Foggia railway station. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as many streets and lanes are steep and paved with cobblestones.
Did you know?
The Norman-Swabian-Aragonese castle holds the Torre dei Giganti, a tower from 979. Local legend claims the spirit of Bianca Lancia still walks the castle corridors at night.
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Southern Italy contains a wide range of historical sites, religious structures and natural areas that take visitors through more than two millennia of cultural history. The region holds Greek temples such as the Temple of Hera at Metaponto, medieval fortresses including Castello Aragonese in Taranto...
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Réserve naturelle Foresta Umbra
13.9 km
Gargano National Park
12.3 km
Castello di Monte Sant'Angelo
1.4 km
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Pulsano
5.6 km
Monte Sacro
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Tomba di Rotari
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1.3 km
Abbazia della Santissima Trinità di Monte Sacro
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Santa Maria del Carmine
866 m
Spiaggia di Mattinata
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1.2 km
Spiagga di Punta Rossa
6.2 km
Area Daini
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8.5 kmTasso
12.6 kmTasso
12.4 kmFaggio
12.5 kmMuseo naturalistico della Foresta Umbra
514 mTasso
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5.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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