faith, history, experiences...
San Giovanni Rotondo
Curiosities:
- In San Giovanni Rotondo the remains of Padre Pio are preserved
- Since 2002 San Giovanni Rotondo has been the stage for several films
- Padre Pio was proclaimed a saint in 2002
- The city, which became famous recently, was founded in 1095
- Discover the many treks on the Gargano, around San Giovanni Rotondo
- We have selected the best beaches in the Gargano
- Get inspired by our suggestions for your vacation (click here)
What to visit in San Giovanni Rotondo
A visit to the shrine of Padre Pio
San Giovanni Rotondo has become a must for the faithful from all over the world.
The greatest attraction of this town is the small convent of Padre Pio, located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Inside this church you will find the crypt and a small museum that collects the remains of San Pio and reconstructs his life.
Inside the museum you can visit the small cell where San Pio spent his life.

In 2004 the new and magnificent church of San Pio was built by architect Renzo Piano.
The church had conflicting judgments as it would not reflect the path of life full of humility of the saint.
The Capuano Museum, history, arts and traditions of San Giovanni Rotondo
If you are looking for information about the origins, history and traditions of San Giovanni Rotondo, you cannot miss a visit to the Capuano Museum.

The museum collects evidence on the traditions, arts and crafts of San Giovanni Rotondo, constituting an important point of reference for the preservation and tradition of the historical memory of the area.
Click here for more info on the Capuano Museum.
Opening hours:
Tue-Fri 16:00 - 19:00 / Sat-Sun 09:30 - 12:30 and 16:00 - 19:00
- What to see around San Giovanni Rotondo
We recommend that you visit the surroundings of San Giovanni Rotondo, in the Gargano National Park.
You can start with a visit to Monte Sant'Angelo (click here), a UNESCO site city for the Basilica of San Michele.
Do not miss the Rione Junno, the millenary district of Monte Sant'Angelo.
It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Puglia, where life flows slowly, as in the past.

Continue your visit in the city of Manfredonia (click here), discovering the castle and the church of Santa Maria di Siponto.
Have you ever seen a "ghost church"?
We recommend that you visit the church of Santa Maria di Siponto at Sunset (info here).
If you are a bit hot or you simply like unspoiled nature, you cannot miss a visit to the Umbra Forest (click here), a UNESCO site for its beech woods.
In the forest you can do many activities including trekking, MTB and E-Bike (click here).
Between Monte Sant'Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo you will find the Carbonara Valley, Sitizzo and the Bosco Quarto, an ideal area for MTB enthusiasts.
In this area there are numerous farms that produce typical cheeses, including Caciocavallo Podolico del Gargano.
If you want to participate in these wilderness experiences take part in a tasting with demonstration on a farm (click here).

The nearest beaches are in Manfredonia, Macchia or Mattinata.
Learn more about what to do on the Gargano near San Giovanni Rotondo (click here).
For the little ones, we suggest The Dinosaur Park in Borgo Celano between San Giovanni Rotondo and San Marco in Lamis.
Fun experience for young and old alike, so you can discover a very ancient Gargano, inhabited since prehistoric times.
Book your nature day in the Dinosaur Park (learn more).
Travel Tips:
- The visit to the convent is allowed with a suitable outfit;
- Be careful with the opening and closing times of the church and museum, find info (by clicking here);
- The patronal feast of San Giovanni Rotondo is celebrated on June 24;
- San Giovanni Rotondo there is a heliport with direct flights to the Tremiti Islands;
- It will be possible to organize self-guided bike tours or plan your cycling holiday in the Gargano National Park on the GAG (learn more);
- The cycling routes in the Gargano National Park are among the most beautiful you'll find on your Puglia bike trip;
Photo Gallery:
Discover Monte Sant'Angelo
1 The "new church" of San Giovanni Rotondo, designed by Renzo Piano;
2 Interior of the "new church";
3 The visit to the body of San Pio in the "new church";
4 The "old church" of Santa Maria delle Grazie;
5 Santa Maria delle Grazie, interior;
6 The cell where San Pio lived;
7 Icon of San Pio displayed in the museum;
8 The body of San Pio;
9 The statue of San Pio carried during the procession;
10 The "new church" , view at sunset;




