Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael
San Michele Pilgrimage Shrine features the original Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael located in a grotto, along with a fascinating crypt and devotional museums. Easily recognizable, the 13th-century octagonal bell tower towers above the picturesque town of Monte Sant’ Angelo on Puglia’s Gargano Promontory.
Upon arriving at the small square near the bell tower, both pilgrims and tourists can traverse the Gothic arches of San Michele towards an information booth. Visitors will find a ticket office for the crypt. Descending the long 13th-century stone staircase, or utilizing the elevator for accessibility, they will be welcomed into the nave, adorned with exquisite frescoes and murals.
The Bronze doors, crafted in 1076 in Constantinople, showcase 24 panels illustrating scenes from the Bible and lead into the sacred cave of Saint Michael.
The Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael, or San Michele, has origins dating back to the 5th – 6th centuries as the birthplace of devotion to the Archangel Michael. It is notable that the original grotto of San Michele is believed to have been consecrated by the archangel himself, making it a unique site not consecrated by human hands.
Visitors can access the grotto free by arranging a visit through email at info@santuariosanmichele.it or by calling +39 0884 568127 for a reservation. Please note that mass is still conducted at the sanctuary, and visitors are asked to refrain from entering during these times. Respectful attire is also encouraged for those visiting this esteemed location of worship.
Additionally, the crypt within the Sanctuary contains intriguing devotional and lapidary museums, which can also be visited by reservation.
Situated along the ancient Via Sacra Langobardorum, this shrine connects significant Longobard sites, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, it serves as a vital stop on the Pilgrimage route for devotees of the Archangel Michael, linking Mont St Michel in France and La Sacra di San Michele Monastery in Piemonte with the San Michele Sanctuary in Monte Sant’ Angelo. Historically, during the middle ages, many pilgrims continued their journeys towards Jerusalem by boat.
San Michele Devotional Museum and Crypts
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Beneath the Basilica San Michele, adjacent to the Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael grotto, two captivating museums await visitors: the lapidary museum in the crypts and a religious devotional museum.
These crypts, which served as the entry to the sanctuary from the late 7th through the 13th centuries, now showcase the Lapidary Museum, housing artifacts from the Byzantine and Longobard periods ranging from the 7th to 15th centuries. Visitors can still observe inscriptions made by ancient pilgrims, including those from the crusades era. It is essential to arrange a guided visit to the crypts at the Basilica San Michele entrance.
The devotional museum showcases items associated with Saint Michael Archangel, many of which are gifts to the sanctuary from pilgrims expressing gratitude. The collection includes coins and medals dating back to the third century BC, various archeological exhibits, as well as more recent liturgical objects, paintings, icons, and statues. Importantly, the devotional museum may be visited without a guide, with a suggested donation of two euros.
Access to both museums and the sanctuary operates exclusively on a reservation basis. Interested individuals should contact info@santuariosanmichele.it or call +39 0884 568127, or visit the tourist office (Pro-loco) near the Sanctuary for updated information. It is advised not to enter the grotto sanctuary during mass. For further details, please check the San Michele website.
