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Keywords

grotto
Grimoald
Angevin Tower
Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo
Garganto
archangel Michael
Votivgabe
Matilda of Tuscany
Via Francigena
Lombards
Monte Sant'Angelo
votive offering
Bernard of Clairvaux
Romuald
Apulien
Apulia
Puglia
Italy
Bridget of Sweden


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Monte Sant'Angelo - Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo

Monte Sant'Angelo - Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo
Legends tell, that in 490, 492 and 493 the archangel Michael appeared to a shepherd and a bishop in front of a grotto. Archangel Michael instructing them to convert that cave into a Christian church. This grotto became the site of many pilgrimages since the early Middle Ages. It is said, that this is the oldest shrine in Western Europe

When the Lombards successfully conquered southern Italy end of the 6th century, King Grimoald in 662 passed on the region to his son, Romuald I, who renovated the sanctuary and encouraged its use as a pilgrimage site. It got very popular for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and as well for pilgrims who had followed the Via Francigena to Rome and then continued to the grotto. Many Popes have been here, but as well Bridget of Sweden, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Tuscany, Otto III...

From the portico, steps lead down to the grotto. Since centuries pilgrims have used these steps. Even now with electric light, it looks very mystic. All the walls are covered with names, carved in by the many pilgrims.

The grotto is not the only cave here. More caves and stairs (below the grotto) can be reached via the museum, where hundreds of votive offerings are displayed.

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