Monte Sant'Angelo, Medieval hilltop town in Gargano, Italy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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