It is a rock settlement located outside the historical center, on Via Madonna della Croce. Its construction probably dates back to the twelfth century, built as a hermit foundation of the monks of St. Basil, whose presence on the territory Altamura is attested in numerous rock churches (see the crypts of Iesce, San Giorgio, Fornello).
The interior, dug in tuff, consists of low vaults, supported by five pillars that divide the church into four aisles. The floor is made of seventeenth century tiles. The church contains traces of frescoes on the first pillar on the left, the image half-length of Saint Lucia and in the next column, the coeval San Nicola dei Greci. The second aisle ends with the baroque altar in polychrome stone dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Along the side walls other traces of frescoes appear. In the third nave, in the apse, you can see the painting of the Deesis.
Are you a local? What do you think about St. Michael's Rock Church?
Login to suggest it!