Grotta di San Michele in Monte Laureto – Putignano

Description

The cave sanctuary of St. Michael in Monte Laureto is located approximately 3 km from the centre of Putignano. Dating to the Upper Cretaceous period (about 100 million years ago), it is 30 meters long, 17 meters wide, and 6 meters high. It is still undergoing continuous geological evolution, as the right side continues to aggregate limestone through rainwater absorption.
The church is located in a natural cave of karst origin; the vault is rock with many stalactite formations. The main entrance, surmounted by a pointed arch and bell tower, opens onto the main façade. The decoration of the internal shrines is attributed to sculptor Stefano da Putignano (16^th century), while the back wall features a valuable 14^th-century fresco of the Crucifixion of Christ: the lifeless Christus Patiens on the cross flanked by pious women and Mary Magdalene, supporting the fainting Virgin Mary.
The worship of St. Michael was introduced in the Norman era, and over the years the church has been looked after by Benedictines, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and Carmelites.

Position on map