Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Castello di Monte Sant'Angelo

Legends tell, that in 490, 492 and 493 the archangel Michael appeared to a shepherd or a bishop in front of a grotto. This grotto became the site of many pilgrimages - and it still is. So even in October, the large parking lot for buses is still well filled. In the early years under Lombard rule, the Byzantines had a castrum here within the 9th century. The most ancient part of today´s castle is the "Torre dei Giganti", erected by the Normans. It was the residence of Robert Guiscard, Emperor Frederick II restored the castle to use it as a residence for his mistress Bianca Lancia (some local people still hear her sighs in the winter months). The Angevins used is mainly as a prison.