The sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel is one of the oldest in Europe places of pilgrimage to Michael the Archangel. This natural cave, located on Monte Gargano in the province of Foggia Italian region of Puglia, known since the 5th century. Even in ancient times Monte Gargano was revered by the inhabitants of the Holy mountain, there were two churches – one was dedicated to the hero Praderio, and the second – the soothsayer from Colchis to Calchas. Well, in the 5th century started coming here pilgrims on their way from Rome to Jerusalem, and it was connected with the phenomena of the faithful of St. Michael the Archangel.

The first apparition took place in the 490th year: one local farmer lost a bull and after a long search they found him on his knees in front of the entrance to the cave. He tried to lure the bull, but the stubborn animal refused to budge, and then the farmer shot him with an arrow. As legend has it, the arrow halfway turned around and struck the gunman. The story was immediately spread through the neighborhood, and after a couple of days in the cave was the Bishop of the city of Siponto, and beheld the Archangel Michael, who informed him that this cave was sacred, and that it is necessary to build a temple.

Three years later, in 493, the year, the city of Siponto came under siege and was on the verge of defeat. The same Bishop for three days earnestly prayed for the salvation of the citizens, and again he was visited by the Archangel Michael, who predicted victory over the enemies. Inspired by this prophecy the people of Siponto, and hurt the enemy. Since may 8, is considered to be the Catholic holiday of "the appearance of the Archangel Michael".

Finally, the third apparition of the angel took place in the same 493-m year, when the Bishop of Siponto decided to consecrate a temple in a cave on mount Gargano. However, the Archangel Michael told him that already he personally consecrated the Church. And really, who went to the cave dwellers of Siponto found the altar and the cross. It is because this Church according to legend, was consecrated by the angel, it is often called the Celestial Basilica.

Today, at the approach to the sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel visitors first see the chapel, built by order of Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt in the late 13th century by Charles I of Anjou. It is a 4-storey building with a height of 27 meters. The cave entrance portico precedes the 13-14-th centuries with Gables and Gothic arches. The Central portal was made in the 20th century, right in 1395, the year, and left in 1865, the year. Inside the cave a staircase leads from 86 degrees, also made during the reign of Charles of Anjou, which ends at the Gate of the Bull of the mid-17th century. The name they received a reminder of the first apparition of the Archangel Michael. Behind the gate is a courtyard with some sarcophagi of famous personalities, and already begins for him the cave itself. The cave entrance is closed bronze doors, made by the Byzantines in the 11th century. They are divided into 24 panels and decorated with images of biblical stories.

Inside the sanctuary consists of a main brick of the nave, which leads Byzantine gate, and the most ancient part, is not affected by the alterations. In the nave, built in the late 13th century, you can see the Baroque altar of the Holy mysteries, the tabernacle with statues of saints Joseph, Nicholas and Anthony of Padua, the chapel of the cross, which was once the sacristy and in which is stored a silver cross with a particle of the Holy cross. Nearby are the choirs in the mid-17th century. In the depths of the cave, in the part that remained untouched, is the altar, according to the legend, erected by Michael the Archangel, and carved the throne of Archbishop Leo. Here you can see the altar of the virgin Incessantly assistant with a wooden canopy.

In 2011, the year the Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael on Monte Gargano was included in the UNESCO world Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.