A Brief History:

In 1129 Saint Giovanni Salcione da Matera decided to found the order of Pulsanesi Eremites in this place. A legend tells that the saint built it right in the place that had been indicated by the Virgin in a dream. In the 12th century, thanks to generous donations, it became one of the most powerful monasteries in Italy.

Main Works:

Inside the church, on the high nave pillars, it is still possible to observe sculptures representing angular eagles, human heads, and other animal species. Today some of these precious decorations are kept in the Museum of the Basilica of San Michele in Monte Sant’Angelo. Outside the Abbey there is a fountain, which many people consider as a font or a little temple, built in order to give relief to pilgrims. The fountain consists of a basement with a higher vault, which was probably used as a cover.

Events:

On the 8th September the Virgin of Pulsano is celebrated: the devotees leave from Monte Sant’Angelo and reach the abbey on the mules.

Style:

The Church, in Romanesque style, has one nave with a barrel vault, interrupted by big cross arches. It is partially built in a natural cave which is used as the apse. On the sides, two small sections of the cave host Abbé Giordano’s grave and an altar which is located inside a small masonry structure with a sloping roof.