Benevento to Monte Sant' Angelo

After San Nicola the path enters the woods and climbs into the hills, eventually passing to the left of a quarry and crossing the SS272. After crossing the highway, the road climbs gently across a rocky landscape. This stretch of the walk offers spectacular views of the hills and sea as it leads into Monte Sant'Angelo. This great medieval pilgrim destination is a gem. The main grotto shrine is its chief treasure.

According to tradition, Michael first appeared in Western Europe in 490. He asked the bishop to dedicate a nearby cave to Christian worship. Soon after, the bishop of Rome erected what would become the oldest sanctuary in western Europe that is dedicated to St. Michael, Archangel. Monte Sant’Angelo has served as a destination for pilgrims that include St. Francis, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas and Bridget of Sweden. It has also served as a stop for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. One must visit this sacred grotto to know why it has had such a special place in the hearts of pilgrims for so long.

The nearby castle has an illustrious history, its oldest part being the pentagonal tower over 18 meters high. It offers great panoramic views of this strategic place.