Monte Sant'Angelo can be reached within a couple of hours from Peschici. The drive south can be divided between the coastal drive and driving through the Umbra Forest. Bear in mind that even the roads through the Umbra Forest and National Park have a substantial amount of switch-back turns and the ascent to the top of Monte Sant’Angelo is also marked with turn after turn. Once you reach the top, you can park just below the city walls and from there walk into the historic city center. Narrow passages, streets that are virtually stairways, and little houses washed a gleaming white characterize the town. But it is the great churches and cathedrals that make Monte Sant’ Angelo worth a visit.
The site of Monte Sant'Angelo, perched high above the landscape commands a panoramic view of the surrounding terrain and in the far distance one can glimpse the sea. The Sanctuary of San Michele (Santuario di San Michele) on Via Reale Basilica was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. The campanile is octagonal, dating from the latter years of the 13th century. The remarkable sanctuary commemorates the legend of St. Michael, who's said to have left his red cloak after he appeared to some shepherds in a grotto in 490. The grotto itself is reached through the church via magnificent bronze doors made in Constantinople in the 11th century.
Crusaders stopped here to worship before going to the Holy Land and scores of pilgrims, even up to this day, have made the difficult journey to this holy site. It is one of the great medieval cathedrals on the pilgrimage route that crossed Europe and the Middle East, to end in Rome. The sanctuary is open daily from 7:30am to 12:30pm and 2:30 to 5pm (7am-8pm in summer). There is no admission, however donations are appreciated, and visitors and contemporary pilgrims alike can still light candles in reverent prayer at the altar of St. Michael.
Opposite the campanile is the Tomb of Rotharis (Tomba di Rotari), which is said to hold the bones of King Rotharis of the Lombards, although its baptistery dates from as early as the 12th century. Continuing past the Sanctuary and Tomb, are the semi-restored ruins of the Norman Swabian Aragonese Castle (Castello Normanno Aragonese Svevo), on the Piazzale Ferri, with a second entrance on the Corso Manfredi; it is open daily from 8:30am to 7:30 pm and charges 2.50€ ($3.25) for admission. It is closed the first and last Monday each month. Although most of the castle dates from later in the Middle Ages, its great Torre dei Giganti was built in 837 and from its ramparts one can take in some of the most sweeping views in the Gargano.
You can also visit the Tancredi Museum (Museo Tancredi), on the Piazza San Francesco d'Assisi which exhibits artifacts used by local farmers and vintners in their trades. From May to September, it is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 2pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 7pm. Admission is 1.55€ ($2). As you wander Monte Sant’Angelo, look for local shops selling wrought-iron goods, which are among the finest in Italy. Ironwork has a long tradition here, with sons following in their fathers' footsteps. The locals also make wooden furniture and utensils. Most shops are located in an area called Juno, in the center of town, and of course, there is a fair amount of religious souvenirs as well. Be aware that the town becomes very quiet during the siesta and plan ahead. It is a town rife with a kind of mystical air that emanates from the great Sanctuary of San Michele. One stands in awe on one of the many steps leading down into the grotto-sanctuary while gazing at centuries-old graffiti all along the walls.
37 miles (60 km) NE of Foggia
84 miles (135km) NW of Bari
144 miles (233km) NE of Naples
10 miles (16km) N of Manfredonia
