Free walking tours in Monte Sant'Angelo and what to see

Must-sees

Monte Sant'Angelo looks out over the Gulf of Manfredonia from high on the Gargano, at about eight hundred metres. Its reason for being is the sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, built around the cave where, according to tradition, the archangel appeared. You go down to the sacred grotto by a long stairway cut into the rock, and the complex is part of the UNESCO site devoted to the Lombard places of power in Italy. It has drawn pilgrims for centuries.

Outside the sanctuary it is worth getting lost in the Junno quarter, with its narrow streets and rows of white houses terraced on the hillside. Above stands the castle of Norman origin, and near the sanctuary is the so-called Tomb of Rotari, a medieval building with an unusual plan, along with several Romanesque churches. Before you leave, try ostie ripiene, almond and honey sweets sold by the town's pastry shops.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Monte Sant'Angelo. What is on offer is a private guided tour of the town, covering the sanctuary, the Junno quarter and the castle at your own pace, with explanations of its Lombard history and the pilgrimage. It is a good option if you want to understand the grotto and its symbols, because without context the visit falls short. For the rest of the Gargano, people usually get around on their own by car.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the sanctuary, the grotto and a walk through the old town. If you add the castle, the Tomb of Rotari and a relaxed lunch, allow a full day. With two days you can head into the Foresta Umbra, a large protected beech forest in the Gargano National Park, or go down to the Manfredonia coast. Bear in mind that the road up has many bends and it is usually cooler at the top than on the coast.

Where to stay

The most convenient choice is to stay in the old town or near the sanctuary, where there are guesthouses, rooms in stone houses and the odd small hotel. That way you see the town quiet in the evening, when the pilgrim groups leave. If you want more choice or prefer the sea, Manfredonia is below on the coast, less than half an hour by car, and San Giovanni Rotondo also has many hotels thanks to the Padre Pio pilgrimage.