Manfredonia - Hermitages Abbazia Santa Maria di Pulsano The Abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano is a monastic complex built around 591 on an ancient pagan temple dedicated to Calcante. It had remained in a state of neglect until 1129 when it was renovated at the behest of San Giovanni da Matera and the Pulsanese congregation. By the end of the fifteenth century, the Pulsanese Order became extinct and the complex passed under the Benedictine order. The Abbey is surrounded by various hermitages used as a dwelling that was accessed through ropes and stairs.