Puglia Spiritual Retreats San Giovanni Rotondo Tours

San Giovanni Rotondo is the core of the spiritual soul of the Gargano, an important destination for devotional practices and religious pilgrimages.

The tour itinerary will unite the most significant places: the "ancient" church, the "new" church, both dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Monastery and the new sanctuary. The ancient church of the mid-1500s has a very simple façade and inside it is composed of a single baroque style nave. At a second entrance to the convent is the cell of Padre Pio and the crypt where the body of Padre Pio was housed before being transferred to the nearby sanctuary. The visit continues with the "new" church, built for the explicit desire of Padre Pio, with the intention of being able to accommodate in an appropriate manner the considerable flow of thousands of pilgrims that flowed ever more numerous to San Giovanni Rotondo. The tour ends at the Sanctuary, designed by architect Renzo Piano, one of the largest churches in Italy, capable of holding up to 7,000 people.

Discover the significant places in the life of Padre Pio on a guided tour of San Giovanni Rotondo. Start at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you can visit the Complex that welcomed the Saint and the Crypt that houses his body. Continue your journey in the Capuchin Friars Convent, where Padre Pio lived for almost 50 years, and finish at the Grande Santuario DA Renzo Piano, admiring extraordinary works of art. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirituality and history of this beloved saint. - Meeting with the Guide at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie - Visit to the Crypt and the significant places of Padre Pio's life - Guided tour in the Capuchin Friars Convent - Conclusion at the Great Sanctuary with works of art by Renzo Piano

San Giovanni Rotondo is famous all over the world as the native city of St. Pio (known as Padre Pio) of Pietrelcina, and as the city where the venerated monk worked his miracles. Pius was beatified in 2002.In the Capuchin Monastery Padre Pio received the stigmata in 1918, and there where all those supernatural events that led to his sainthood and canonization took place as well. Visiting this Monastery and viewing the chambers where St. Pio conducted his life means jumping into a context of spirituality and mysticism; it is a destination that the devout and tourists alike should make every effort to visit.

San Giovanni Rotondo is famous all over the world as the native city of St. Pio (known as Padre Pio) of Pietrelcina, and as the city where the venerated monk worked his miracles. Pio was beatified in 2002.In the Capuchin Monastery Padre Pio received the stigmata in 1918, and there where all those supernatural events that led to his sainthood and canonization took place as well. Visiting this Monastery and viewing the chambers where St. Pio conducted his life means jumping into a context of spirituality and mysticism; it is a destination that the devout and tourists alike should make every effort to visit. The Church’s crypt also hosted, up until a few years ago, the tomb of St. Pio. Next to the Monastery rises the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This profound mixture of historic, religious and architectonic elements render the Sanctuaries of Padre Pio an indubitable point of interest for all, including those who are not particularly devout, or who may not profess any faith at all.

San Giovanni Rotondo is famous all over the world as the city of San Pio (known as Padre Pio) from Pietrelcina, where he lived the last moments of his life, and as the city where the venerable friar performed his miracles. In the Capuchin Convent Padre Pio received the stigmata in 1918 and there occurred all the supernatural events that led to his holiness and canonization. Visiting this monastery and seeing the rooms where St. Pius led his life means immersing yourself in a context of spirituality and mysticism; it is a destination that devotees and tourists should do everything possible to visit. The driver who speaks perfect English will always be available to customers. Travel in a comfortable car and admire the panorama of Puglia and southern Italy.

On the East coast of Italy lies one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Italy. It attracts visitors from around the world. He was to spend the rest of his life here and was known for his many mystical experiences and spiritual gifts. It was said that he could read souls–if you went to confession to him and left something out he would not hesitate to remind you. And his confessions were highly popular, with long hours devoted to the Sacrament. You can still see his confessional when you visit his shrine today.Other gifts that he received were prophecy, bilocation, odor of sanctity and miraculous healings. It was said that he predicted that Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) would one day become Pope.But he is perhaps best known for having received the Stigmata (the wounds of Christ). He was pierced with the 5 wounds of Christ while praying before a crucifix.