The Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano, or Il Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo, often simply referred to as “Monte Gargano”, is a Catholic church and sanctuary located on Mount Gargano in northern Apulia. A UNESCO-awarded World Heritage Site as part of a group of seven Longobard sites in Italy, it is an old and historic building that is both beautiful and fascinating.
As the oldest shrine dedicated to the archangel Michael in Western Europe, it has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages and today it remains of religious importance but is equally of historic and artistic interest to tourists.
As the oldest shrine dedicated to the archangel Michael in Western Europe, it has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages and today it remains of religious importance but is equally of historic and artistic interest to tourists.
ts origins are said to be steeped in legend with the oldest tale dating back to the year 493AD when the Archangel Michael appeared several times to the Bishop of Sipontum near a cave in the mountains. He consecrated the cave and indicated that it should be used as a site of Christian worship, which would provide protection to the town of Sipontum from pagan invaders. A church was built and then, a thousand years later, the archangel showed up to another bishop at the same site and told him, “I am the Archangel St. Michael. Anyone who uses the stones of this grotto will be liberated.” Tiny stones from the cave have since been distributed all around the world as protective relics and can still be found there today. Throughout the years, the archangel was spotted several more times in the area and is deeply connected to the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is made up of a complex of buildings that consists of the Battistero di San Giovanni in Tumba and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. While the site, as a place of worship, is much older, the buildings that make up the complex date to the 13th century and are Romanesque in style. However, the most interesting part of the building has to be, rather than the beautiful exterior facade or portico, the cavern into which the basilica is built. Though a cave it may be, it is a magic space where the manmade and natural combine to create something magical. One of the most unique churches in Italy, this fascinating gem is a must for anyone who has found a luxury villa in Apulia or a luxury villa in Italy.
The sanctuary is made up of a complex of buildings that consists of the Battistero di San Giovanni in Tumba and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. While the site, as a place of worship, is much older, the buildings that make up the complex date to the 13th century and are Romanesque in style. However, the most interesting part of the building has to be, rather than the beautiful exterior facade or portico, the cavern into which the basilica is built. Though a cave it may be, it is a magic space where the manmade and natural combine to create something magical. One of the most unique churches in Italy, this fascinating gem is a must for anyone who has found a luxury villa in Apulia or a luxury villa in Italy.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Mboesch / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Nikater / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Mboesch / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Nikater / CC BY-SA 3.0