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The church was dug out of a single huge tuff rock probably between the 8th and 10th centuries, it also annexes other small caves near the main hall. In one of these, according to legend, the massacre of the inhabitants of Gravina by the Saracens took place during the third incursion in 999, an event remembered by an epigraph placed on the wall of the same cave. The human skulls and bones are visible there, however, more likely belong to corpses moved here during the 17th-18th century.
On May 8th of each year it is the place for the celebration of the Feast of San Michele delle Grotte in memory of the legendary apparition of San Michele in a cave of Monte Sant'Angelo. On this occasion, the inhabitants of the neighborhood decorate the streets with the so-called "balloni".
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From this point you can see the other rock environments on the Gravina including the Grotta delle Sette Camere (Cave of the Seven Rooms).
Cripta sant’Elia
These are seven caves worked by man, intercommunicating with each other dating back to the early Christian era due to the presence of an inscription in early Christian Greek and symbols of primitive Christianity. This reminds the visitor of the presence of the first Christians in the land of Gravina to be traced back to the first centuries of Christianity.
Church of the 15th century, with a rather simple façade. The roof has ribs that partially recall the style of Gothic churches.