On this old well there is an image of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron of the Abbey.
The Benedictine Territorial Abbey (i.e. exerting diocesan authority over itself and the surrounding territory, instead of resorting under a bishop) of San Michele Arcangelo, exists at least from 1078 and was probably built in the 5th century.
The Norman lord Humphrey of Hauteville and his son Rudolph made large donations to the abbey, which flourished until the 15th century.
Afterwards it decayed due to numerous wars ravaging the country in those years.
The benedictine Abbey Church (12th century), dedicated to St. Michael, has a notable portal and a Norman-style bell tower with mullioned windows.
Renewed starting from 1590, it received a cylindrical cupola in 1650.
Over the centuries the monks' intervention has gradually added new elements : a beautiful colonnade and wonderful frescoed cycles painted by the greatest artists of Basilicata.
In 1784 the monks abandoned the abbey and moved to Lecce.
In the early 19th century the monastery became the property of Municipality.