Gargano in September 14 Monte Sacro

After three very full days all starting off literally before dawn because we watch the dawnlight change and lighten gradually up to the sunrise every morning from the bedroom balcony over the bay and sea of Mattinata we decide to take it easy and get off to a slow start.

The road from Mattinata to Monte Sacro is quite narrow after the turn off towards Agriturismo Monte Sacro but there's hardly any traffic and there are beautiful views of the hills and the coast. The path starts at the last elbow bend before the Agriturismo. There's parking just for three or four cars but we are lucky. It's a clearly marked path through the rocky limestone pastures, stones line each side of the path leaving the walker in no doubt as to the route. It takes about three quarters of an hour without hurrying and stopping as always for looking and taking photos to arrive at the ruins of the old Abbey. Between the 6th and 13th century the Benedictine abbey was one of the most important cultural centres in Puglia with a vast library. In the 15th century it became part of the community of Siponto and was little by little abandoned. 

Even today it's obvious that the monastery was large with buildings not only religious but also for cooking, cisterns, dormitory. The woods and vegetation have covered much of the ruins but some walls and arches are still standing and the tall trees and ivy seem to blend in and soften the sense of abandonment leaving an atmosphere of peace.

We roam around the ruins for a while and also go to the 'top' of Monte Sacro where there is a slight pile of stones and a glimpse of the sea. We eat our simple picnic in the large clearing near the abbey and then wander back down to the car. We are initially tempted by the Agriturismo but fortunately (considering the reviews I later read on TripAdvisor) decide instead to head to Mattinata for an ice cream. It's about quarter to three and Mattinata is completely deserted, we start to be a little pessimistic. Instead Gelateria Gabrielino is open, we both indulge, followed by a Cappuccino.

Then it's back to the apartment for a rest, to clean and pack before supper on the terrace. Tomorrow we'll be on our way.