Monte Sant Angelo

Monte Sant'Angelo is situated on a peak of the Gargano plateau, at about 800 meters above the sea level.

Its landscape is typical of the area, combining newly built terraced houses and a medieval borough.

Among all churches and other monuments of the town, stands out the Sanctuary of San Michele. Built between the 5th and 6th century, it is dedicated to the appearance of' the Archangel Michele, whose annual festival attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

The Tomb of Rotari (of the 12th century), the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Norman - Swabian - Aragonese castle are other sites of great historical and artistic interest.

Cenni Storici

The story of Monte Sant'Angelo is closely linked to that of the Sanctuary of San Michele Archangel and, as a consequence of that, to the alleged apparitions of the saint. The sanctuary was most probably built between the end of the 5th and early 6th century.

The apparitions of the Holy were recorded in the years 490, 492 and 493, coinciding with the great spread of the Micaelian cult in the region. The Archangel’s three appearances were also named Taurus, Battle and the consecration of the Basilica.

The 7th century was characterized by the harsh clash between the Byzantines and the Longobards. The latter, after having attacked the Sanctuary, were able to overcome the Byzantines.

The Longobardi immediately adhered to  the cult of the Archangel, which greatly enhanced the importance of the Sanctuary dedicated to him. As a consequence of that, Monte Sant'Angelo soon became the most important centre of the Western Latin world, dedicated to this cult.