The Cathedral was built in the first quarter of the 12th-Century and is particularly known for its rose window and the bronze doors of the west front - the knockers of which are in lions and winged dragons, representing fear and desire. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary as depicted in one of its paintings. We also visit the Town Hall (right) in the hope of seeing some of the interior of this former palace. The rooms do not seem to be accessible to tourists but two ladies, taking a break from a course, kindly show us rooms with splendid ceilings and sculptures

Our next objective, Monte Sant'Angelo, is again a hilltop town, almost 800-metres above (and overlooking) the sea. We drive up a series of hairpin bends to make the ascent that pilgrims have struggled up over past centuries to reach the site where the archangel Michael is said to have made three separate appearances. The Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo does not open until 2:30pm so until that time we explore the narrow streets with their many steps after getting sandwiches and cake in a cafe.

The Church of San Pietro has suffered much earthquake damage but still has a magnificent mural, a baptismal font, and a rose window featuring mermaids

 

(left) The bell tower and doorway to the grotto where, according to legend, Saint Michael appeared in 490, 492 and 493. A flight of 85 steps takes us down  to the sanctuary's cave where there is a surprisingly large number of confessionals

Before leaving Monte Sant'Angelo, we visit the ruins of a Norman castle that has good views of the town and surrounding countryside from its towers and walls, as well as many narrow passages and dungeons to explore.

 

We drive through the Forest of Gargano to Vieste (a distance of about 60-kilometres) - a slow winding road enlivened by some lovely scenery, seeing a small herd of fawns, and a cow strolling across the road.

 

The Hotel del More is a large, resort hotel where there appears to be only four other people staying. Our room is quite large and has a balcony (right). After negotiating a time of 7:30pm for dinner, we find on entering the enormous dining room that we are the sole diners. We are treated like royalty as the very pleasant waiter offers us choices of food (there is no menu) - we have appetisers of ham on toast; very large servings of pasta; and a main course of halibut. We have just decided that we cannot manage a dessert when two excellent ice cream puddings are served