San Michele Abbey

The Benedictine Territorial Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo has been existed at least from 1078 and was probably built in the 5th century. The benedictine Abbey Church (12th century), dedicated to St. Michael, has a notable portal and a Norman-style bell tower with mullioned windows. The Norman lord Humphrey of Hauteville and his son Rudolph made large donations to the abbey. In 1484, after joining the Benedictine Congregation of St. Giustina from Padua, the abbey was enlarged and restored in Renaissance forms. 

Afterwards it decayed due to numerous wars ravaging the country in those years.  Renewed starting from 1590, it received a cylindrical cupola in 1650. The monks abandoned the abbey in 1784.

Address
Piazza del Popolo 14, Montescaglioso, Italy

Established
11th century