Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, Medieval abbey near Lake Monticchio, Rionero in Vulture, Italy

The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo stands at the foot of Monte Vulture on the eastern shore of Lago di Monticchio Piccolo. The complex comprises a multi-storey convent, an 18th-century church and the rock-cut Chapel of San Michele, whose walls carry frescoes from the mid-11th century. Ruins of the earlier Benedictine monastery, including a bell tower, apse and perimeter walls, remain nearby.

Basilian monks fleeing iconoclasm after Leo III's 726 decree settled in the cave above Lago Piccolo, leaving an oratory behind the altar of San Michele. Benedictines replaced them and built the monastery; Pope Nicholas II consecrated the church in Latin in 1059. The Benedictines abandoned it in 1456, Capuchins followed, and the Constantinian order owned it from 1782 to 1866.

The name comes from the Archangel Michael, venerated here by Italo-Greek monks who prayed in the Grotta dell'Angelo, a rock-cut chapel behind the present altar; its frescoes date to the mid-11th century. Pope Nicholas II came to Monticchio to consecrate the church of San Michele with the Latin rite. The Capuchins later founded a library and a wool mill at the complex.

The abbey sits on the eastern flank of Lago di Monticchio Piccolo, at the foot of Monte Vulture. The rock-cut chapel of San Michele and the 18th-century church are part of a multi-storey convent complex. The site can be reached from Monticchio, but the sources do not describe a specific trail or parking area.

Votive deposits from the 4th–3rd century BC were found near the grotto, showing the site was venerated long before the monks arrived. The cave church of Sant'Angelo holds frescoes from the mid-11th century, painted for the Italo-Greek monks who prayed there.