San Giovanni Rotondo

San Giovanni Rotondo was the homeland of Padre Pio and today preserves his remains. Every year thousands of faithful come to visit religious meeting places and participate in events in honor of the Saint. The city rises in a unique natural context in which to immerse yourself to regenerate yourself in the heart of the Gargano.

How to get there:

• By car: Coming from the north via the motorway, take the San Severo exit and continue along the SS272 which passes through San Marco in Lamis(link). Coming from the center or south, take the Candela exit and follow the signs for Foggia first and then for Manfredonia, up to the junction for San Giovanni Rotondo. Coming from the south, exit at Cerignola Est, continue towards Manfredonia and take the exit for San Giovanni Rotondo.
• By bus: Use the Ferrovie del Gargano if you are in the area, the buses of SITA S.p.a. if you arrive from the main cities of the Center or the North, the services of the company C.L.P. if you start from Naples.
• By train: Get off at Foggia station and continue with the services offered by the Ferrovie del Gargano or by SITA S.p.a.
• By plane: Fly to Foggia or Bari airport and then continue by taxi, bus or rental car.

What to see in San Giovanni Rotondo

San Giovanni Rotondo is known throughout the world because it houses the remains of Padre Pio. The Capuchin friar lived in this city for 50 years dedicating his commitment to the service of the Church. He built the first hospital “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza“. Today thousands of pilgrims a year come here to visit him and this continuous procession is the beating heart of the town.

San Giovanni Rotondo is a city surrounded by nature. We are in the heart of the Gargano National Park close to Monte Calvo. There is a very characteristic historic center around which the modern city was then built. Among the things to see are the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the remains of Padre Pio are found, the Ancient Church with the crucifix in front of which Padre Pio received the gift of the stigmata.

The Capuchin Convent, the New Church of San Pio da Pietrelcina which welcomes 30,000 faithful, the Biographical Museum of Padre Pio (Wax Museum) which tells the life of the Saint.

If you want to immerse yourself in nature in the surroundings of the village, we recommend Bosco Quarto, the 1065-metre-high Monte Calvo from which you can see the Gulf of Manfredonia and the Tremiti Islands. Another unique phenomenon that can be witnessed here is the Grava di Campolato, the deepest karst cavity in Puglia.

Curiosity:

On May 25, the birth of Padre Pio is celebrated, while on September 22-23, his death. Various events and vigils are organized on these dates respectively.