The temple in a cave: San Michele a Putignano

About 3/4 kilometers from Putignano is Monte Laureto, in whose bowels there is a treasure of art and faith that has few other equals in all of Italy. This area is rich in karst rocks, within which the work of the water has carved out cavities. In one of these cavities, in a cave on Mount Laureto, a church dedicated to San Michele Arcangelo was built. The suggestive religious structure is 30 meters long, 17 wide and 6 high. It has a central altar and two side chapels, in which there are frescoes and statues. The fresco on the main altar dates back to the 15th century and depicts scenes from the crucifixion. Then there is a representation of the Madonna del Carmine, and a statue of the Virgin and Child made in a style that recalls the sculptor Stefano da Putignano. The most impressive statue of the church is dedicated to San Michele, which is made of polychrome stone and has the peculiarity of having iron wings and swords. According to a legend, the statue originally depicted the god Apollo.