San Giovanni Rotondo
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Latest page update: 2 March 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The hill town of San Giovanni Rotondo is situated within the Province of Foggia, a distance of 145 kilometres north west of Bari, the regional capital of Puglia. Standing at an elevation of 565 metres above sea level it has a population of around 27,000.
Nearby places of interest include Manfredonia, Monte Sant'Angelo, Mattinata and Foggia. |
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San Giovanni Rotondo attracts a large number of religious tourists who come to worship at the Sanctuary of Padre Pio. The Renzo Piano designed Sanctuary is one of the most impressive modern buildings in Italy and honours Padre Pio who was the most recent Saint appointed by the Catholic Church. Padre Pio died in San Giovanni Rotondo on 23 September 1968.
Related links
San Giovanni Rotondo • Puglia • Gargano Peninsula • Religious Sanctuary
San Giovanni Rotondo is a town located in the southern part of the Puglia region, within the Province of Foggia. It is situated in the hills of the Gargano Peninsula, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The town is most famous for its religious significance, being the home of Saint Padre Pio, a well-known Italian saint. San Giovanni Rotondo attracts numerous pilgrims each year, who come to visit the Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, a modern pilgrimage site built in honour of the saint’s life and work.
Visitors to San Giovanni Rotondo can explore its many religious landmarks, including the Sanctuary, which houses the remains of Padre Pio, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the saint spent much of his life. The town’s streets are filled with shops selling religious artefacts and souvenirs, making it a hub for those interested in the town's spiritual and cultural significance. In addition to its religious sites, San Giovanni Rotondo offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Gargano National Park, with trails for hiking and breathtaking views of the landscape.
San Giovanni Rotondo is ideally located for exploring nearby attractions. To the north, the town of Monte Sant'Angelo is another important religious site, home to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The coastal town of Manfredonia lies to the west, offering both historical landmarks and beautiful beaches along the Adriatic coast. Further to the east, the town of Vieste offers a picturesque old town and dramatic coastal cliffs, perfect for those looking to explore more of the Gargano region's natural and cultural offerings.
Visitors to San Giovanni Rotondo can explore its many religious landmarks, including the Sanctuary, which houses the remains of Padre Pio, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the saint spent much of his life. The town’s streets are filled with shops selling religious artefacts and souvenirs, making it a hub for those interested in the town's spiritual and cultural significance. In addition to its religious sites, San Giovanni Rotondo offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Gargano National Park, with trails for hiking and breathtaking views of the landscape.
San Giovanni Rotondo is ideally located for exploring nearby attractions. To the north, the town of Monte Sant'Angelo is another important religious site, home to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The coastal town of Manfredonia lies to the west, offering both historical landmarks and beautiful beaches along the Adriatic coast. Further to the east, the town of Vieste offers a picturesque old town and dramatic coastal cliffs, perfect for those looking to explore more of the Gargano region's natural and cultural offerings.
History
The history of San Giovanni Rotondo is closely tied to Saint Padre Pio, who was born in 1887 and spent most of his life in this town. He became widely known for his mystical experiences and stigmata, receiving significant attention from believers and skeptics alike.
Saint Padre Pio's reputation for holiness led to the construction of the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church (Chiesa di Padre Pio) after his death in 1968. This modern basilica, with a striking design, is one of the main pilgrimage sites in the world and attracts millions of pilgrims each year.
Saint Padre Pio's reputation for holiness led to the construction of the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church (Chiesa di Padre Pio) after his death in 1968. This modern basilica, with a striking design, is one of the main pilgrimage sites in the world and attracts millions of pilgrims each year.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Convento di Santa Maria delle Grazie: This convent is where Saint Padre Pio lived and worked for many years. His cell, the confessional where he heard confessions for hours, and his personal belongings are preserved here.
- The Tomb of Saint Padre Pio: Located within the pilgrimage church, the tomb is a solemn and reverent place where visitors can pay their respects to the saint.
- Piana Romana: This countryside area was where Saint Padre Pio received the stigmata, and it holds historical significance for his life.
- The Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza: Founded by Saint Padre Pio, this large hospital is one of the most modern medical facilities in Italy and welcomes patients from around the world.
- The Old Town: The historic centre of San Giovanni Rotondo offers visitors a glimpse of traditional Apulian life, with charming streets and local shops.
Comune di San Giovanni Rotondo
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Province: Foggia
Region: Puglia Population: 26,316 (in 2024 - source) Size: 260 km² Elevation: 565 metres Highlight: Sanctuary of Padre Pio Close by: Manfredonia, Monte Sant'Angelo, Mattinata, Foggia Recommended stay: Hotel Centro Di Spiritualità Padre Pio |
