San  Giovanni  Rotondo​

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 22 November 2023
​​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.
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.
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San Giovanni Rotondo is a significant pilgrimage site located in the region of Puglia, Italy. Situated in the province of Foggia, this town is renowned for being the home of Saint Padre Pio, one of the most revered Catholic saints of the 20th century. As a result, San Giovanni Rotondo attracts millions of visitors from all over the world who come to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace.
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.
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
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

San  Giovanni  Rotondo​​  Gallery

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