La Grotta di San Michele in Monte Sant'Angelo

Monte Sant'Angelo, in Puglia, It is a picturesque corner of the Gargano rich in examples of faith and religiosity. The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo entered in the List of World Heritage by UNESCO 2011, is a travel destination suspended between heaven and earth, overlooking the Gulf of Manfredonia, that hides its majesty in caves and underground parts.

The cave of San Michele Arcangelo, one of the most famous in town, It is one of the main reasons that Monte Sant'Angelo has been called the holy city of Gargano, revealing himself as one of the most remote places of Christianity.

The St Michael's Cave

The religious tradition of these areas tells us that in this famous cave the Archangel Michael appeared to protect the city from barbarian attacks, whomsoever, just, its name. The cave was first place of worship of the Lombards, Then the Latin Church, then the destination of pilgrims and Crusaders. Its importance increased later thanks to Frederick II of Swabia, returning from crusade 1228, He gave a fragment of “true Cross”, embedded in a crystal cross.

The structure and its evolution

The limestone cave of St. Michael is a very special architectural structure. It is deep 52 meters, wide between 6 Hey 15 and higher among 3 Hey 7 meters. The walls are covered with mosses, while they are hanging from the ceiling stalagmites and stalactites which are small bulges on the floor, made slippery by rain.
Originally, it was not easy to reach. We came along an uphill path from the valley through a porch and a gallery which protruded in irregular and deep cavern. In the seventh century were the Lombards, who had occupied the territories of Gargano, to make some renovations and expansion of the basilica.

The Angevin staircase

The structures that currently lead the pilgrim to the holy cave are the work of Anjou in the thirteenth century built the staircase of 86 steps which leads to the Cave. Divided into five flights, interrupted by four shelves staircase rises from the side walls and arches that mark the graves of ancient local families. The staircase ends with a portal framed by twisted columns resting on lions and plinths traditionally called "bull's Gate" by the great fresco above it, depicting, just, the episode of the bull of the first apparition of St. Michael.

The altar of St. Michael the Archangel

Among the peculiarities of the Grotto, the altar of St. Michael, made by digging the bottom of the Cave. At its center stands the majestic statue of St. Michael, carved in white Carrara marble.
Alta about 130cm, The statue is the Archangel in attitude and a warrior clothes that tramples Satan. His face seems smiling. The head is adorned with a curly hair, in ringlets and curls: unique in its kind in the history of sculpture. The left arm is stretched downwards. The right arm, lifted up, holding a sword arranged transversely, ongoing threat. The position is that of a soldier who winner, however, ensure that the enemy can not be offensive.

The only Italian in the top 10 Caves Sacred choices in the world by National Geographic, the Grotta di San Michele Arcangelo is a conglomeration of history, Faith and Culture. A destination of emotional journey to discover yourself in a unique setting of its kind.