Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael - one of the oldest in Europe, places of pilgrimage to the Archangel Michael. This natural cave located on Monte Gargano in the province of Foggia, the Italian region of Puglia, known since the 5th century. Even in ancient times Monte Gargano revered by locals holy mountain, on it there were two churches - one was dedicated to the hero Poladeriyu, and the second - from Colchis seer Calchas. Well, in the 5th century here began to come pilgrims traveling from Rome to Jerusalem, and it was connected with the phenomena of the faithful of the Archangel Michael.

The first event took place in the year 490: a local farmer lost bull and after a long search found him on his knees in front of the cave. He tried to lure the bull, but the stubborn animal refused to budge, and then the farmer has released an arrow at him. According to legend, an arrow halfway around and struck the gunman himself. The history of this immediately spread through the neighborhood, and within a couple of days in the cave was the Bishop of Siponto, who saw the Archangel Michael told him that this cave is sacred and that it is necessary to build a temple.

Three years later, in 493, the year, the city came under siege Siponto and was on the verge of defeat. The same bishop for three days fervently prayed for the salvation of the townspeople, and again it was the Archangel Michael, who predicted victory over the enemies. Inspired by such a prediction residents Siponto, and the truth, defeated the army of the enemy. Since May 8, considered a Catholic holiday "Appearance of the Archangel Michael."

Finally, the third archangel phenomenon occurred in the same 493-year, when the bishop of Siponto decided to consecrate the church in a cave on Mount Gargano. However, Archangel Michael told him that he had personally consecrated the church. And, indeed, went to the cave residents Siponto found an altar and cross. That is because according to tradition the church was consecrated by the angel, it is often called the Celestial Basilica.

Today, at the approach to the sanctuary of the Archangel Michael the first thing visitors see the chapel built by Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt in the late 13th century by Charles I of Anjou. It is a 4-storeyed building with a height of 27 meters. The cave entrance is preceded by a portico 13-14th centuries with gable and Gothic arches. The central portal was made in the 20th century, right - in 1395, the year, and the left - in 1865. Inside the cave is a staircase of 86 steps, also made by Charles of Anjou, which ends at the Gate Bull mid-17th century. The name they received a reminder of the first appearance of the Archangel Michael. Beyond the gate is a courtyard with sarcophagi of some famous personalities, and have him start the cave itself. The cave entrance is closed bronze doors made by Byzantine craftsmen in the 11th century. They are divided into 24 panels and decorated with images of biblical stories.

Inside the sanctuary consists of a main nave of brick, which are Byzantine gates, and the most ancient part, unaffected by alterations. In the nave, built in the late 13th century, you can see the baroque altar of the Holy Mysteries, shrine with statues of St. Joseph, Nicholas, and Anthony of Padua, the chapel of the Cross, which was once the sacristy and which now kept a silver cross with particles of the Holy Cross. Nearby are the choruses mid 17th century. In the depths of the cave, in the part that remained intact is the altar, according to legend, erected by Michael the Archangel, and the carved throne of the Archbishop Leo. Here you can see the altar of the Virgin Perpetual assistant with a wooden canopy.

In 2011, the Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael on Monte Gargano was included in the list of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.