Contrada Grotta San Michele snc, 76013 Minervino Murge Italy

Located at the foot of Minervino Murge, in a valley at the end of that natural canal, formerly called "Matitani", the San Michele cave is a karstic cavity whose formation dates back to the Quaternary (2 million years Ago), when this area, so far submerged, begins to rise above sea level. The first written testimonies, referring to this cave, can be found in a parchment preserved in the Abbey of Montecassino, dated 12 February of the year 1000. However, the cave had to be known and frequented in the past and presumably in early Christian times. Ancient micheal cult site, the Grotto has a historical, artistic and speleological interest.