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The Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo

A few months ago, I was invited by the kind folks at Gargano OK, a consortium of local businesses, to tour their slice of southeastern Italy.

Gargano, part of the Puglia region, is known as the “spur of the boot” because of its location just above the “heel of the boot” on Italy's Adriatic coast.

For years, Italians have known it as a budget-friendly beach destination, but as I would quickly come to find out, there's much more to do here than lie on a lounge chair and work on your tan.

Entrance to the Monte Sant'Angelo
Entrance to the Monte Sant'Angelo

Our first morning was dedicated to visiting Monte Sant'Angelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which would be the 98th on my ever-growing list.

This medieval town is perched upon a hill, occupying the highest point in Gargano.

As we drove up the winding roads, the weather turned from overcast to wet and windy.

Thus we didn't waste any time heading straight to the main attraction, the oldest shrine in Western Europe to the Archangel Saint Michael.

Per UNESCO:

“The first appearance of the Archangel is said traditionally to have occurred in the year 490, however it is quite likely that the cult arrived in the Gargano in the mid-5th century or even at the beginning of that century.

Initially, the cult of the Archangel Michael was mainly a cult of natural, healing forces based on the Saint's  appearance and revelations – in line with the ancient pagan worship – and was strongly marked by oriental influences.”

Under the shelter of the entrance, our guide informed us that Saint Michael had appeared to people over the centuries on four occasions here.

The shrine has been a pilgrimage destination for much of that time, as it continues to be today.

Not seen in my photo above is an octagonal, 13th-century bell tower, which was originally a watchtower.

Upon entering the building, one descends a staircase to a pair of Byzantine bronze doors made in Constantinople and dating back to 1076.

Their 24 panels depict scenes of angels from the New and Old Testaments.

At this point, photos are still allowed; however, they are prohibited within the shrine itself.

Break this rule, and you can expect the monk staffing the small desk by the entrance to have a word with you.

Stepping through the doors is like stepping back in time.

The lower half of the room is formed by a natural grotto (cave), with upper sections showing the manufactured stonework.

Looking straight ahead, and partially visible in my photo above, is The Chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

To the left is a small Choir and The Chapel of the Relics.

There are a handful of wooden pews to the right, as mass is still held regularly within the shrine. They face the altar of Saint Michael, which features a statue of him from 1507.

The rain had let up by the time we left the building.

Had it been nicer, I would've enjoyed walking through the streets of Monte Sant'Angelo to soak up more of the atmosphere from this town which dates back to the Middle Ages.

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UNESCO

Monte Sant'Angelo became a World Heritage Site in 2011.

Click here for the complete list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Notovita

Tuesday 15th of March 2016

Thank you for sharing! Now I have to check out Monte Sant'Angelo when I go to Italy in early 2017!

Rebekah Voss

Wednesday 5th of November 2014

I'll definitely need to check out Monte Sant’Angelo when I get over to Italy. Thanks for the inspiration, Dave!

Tate Nanje

Saturday 1st of November 2014

I would say that UNESCO has the best World Heritage Sites! Beautiful architecture in Monte Sain'Angelo! Your "ever-growing list" is quite impressive!

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