MONTE SANT' ANGELO private tour: amazing St. Michael Sanctuary
Description
The guided tour of Monte Sant’Angelo will mainly focus on the historic center, the castle, and the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, which in 2011 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Longobard routes in Puglia. The tour begins with an external visit of the castle, originally a Byzantine fortress built before the year 1000, later flanked by a tower, the so-called Tower of the Giants, characterized by a height of 18 meters and walls 3 meters thick, and expanded by the Normans, Swabians, and Aragonese. After the castle, you will reach the exterior of the Sanctuary of Saint Michael, where you will admire the imposing octagonal tower built by Charles I of Anjou, modeled after Castel del Monte. At the main altar, you can admire the statue of St.Michael the Archangel, made of Carrara marble. Spectacular is the cave, where St.Michael the Archangel has been venerated since the 5th century. The tour ends with a visit to the museum and the lapidarium inside the basilica
Tour Options
Itinerary
The castle of Monte Sant’Angelo is a majestic fortress of Byzantine origin, expanded over the centuries by the Normans, Swabians, and Aragonese. It overlooks the town from above with its imposing walls and the famous Tower of the Giants, bearing witness to its strategic and defensive role throughout history ( external visit )
The Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo is one of the most important places of worship dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, a pilgrimage destination since the 5th century. Partly set inside a natural cave, it preserves a deep spiritual atmosphere rich in history, art, and devotion.
The historic center of Monte Sant’Angelo is a charming maze of narrow streets, white houses, and stone stairways that reflect its ancient medieval origins. Walking through its alleys, you can feel an authentic atmosphere, with arches, small squares, and panoramic views over the Gargano, along with artisan shops and living traditions.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(26)
Wonderful experience . Our guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable of the history of the site we visited.
Very nice place perched on the mountains. A very beautiful energy, a unique and timeless place. Off the beaten track, a place that is deserved and discovered with the heart.
Teresa took us to a few beautiful overviews of the Manfredonian gulf and mountain side. Then we visited a few of the historic churches before going to the basilica and shrine to St. Michael. She was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. Also courteous and hospitable. The tour helped bring the sites to life.
Spectacular view Church of San Michele very suggestive characteristic village To see Beautiful also the castle .. Road in some places narrow and winding but worth it
This beautiful place (also a place of pilgrimage) with this Basilica Santuario di San Michele ArcangeloI. Is DEFINITELY WORTH a visit. You descend nicely down a wide staircase into the cave with beautiful altar and good lighting
It is amazing place, spiritual place that you need to visit, the guide girl knows what's she is doing, were very happy with the tour
I wrote April 2024 but we actually went there summer 2023. Beautiful shrine. City 5 stars . I'm Christian a 9-year-old boy. I don't know what to say, just great!!! We will definitely be back ❤️
I went on this adventure to understand what it's all really about... I had a wonderful guide, a French lady called Michelle, from Italy 16 years, good english and an excellent knowledge (a neutral)... my questions were frequent and without warning and most of the time I crashed this (not intended) private tour yet she always took the time to patiently answer and make sure I understood the meaning from the history of the castle, to the hidden (graffiti) art work (found beneath hidden mosaics) in the templars church, to the visions from Constantine!! A remarkable tour, 10/10!!! A must if anyone has an interest in the Arc Angel Michael!!!
We went to Monte Sant'Angelo for religious reasons. The place is beautiful and the facilities for tourists are great. Regarding the visit to the cave of the Archangel I expected more rigor in clothing and a management that would allow those who wished to gather in prayer to be able to do so sheltered from noise, so I was a little disappointed and gave only 3. I also noticed a certain rudeness on the part of some foreign tourists during the visit to the Norman-Aragonese castle who straddled the cannons and sat on an antique chair that was part of the furnishings.
A lovely place, out of the ordinary. Suggestive. From the outside you don't expect to be catapulted into another era.
