Cave of San Michele Arcangelo in Montesano sulla Marcellana

Known locally as the Grotta di Sant'Angelo, it lies at Eliceto, not far from the Montesano spa complex. We do not know for certain how it was used in antiquity, although it probably sheltered first animals and then people; only a full exploration will tell.Reliable records begin in the 17th century: in the pastoral visit of 1687 it appears as the church of San Michele Arcangelo in Criptis. It had been turned into a rock chapel with two rooms, two altars and steps leading down to the second chamber. We are fascinated by the stalactites and the rock draperies hanging from the vaults, and by the legend of an underground passage to the old little church of Santa Sofia.