San Giovanni Rotondo private guide: amazing spiritual experience with St. Pio
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available options
San Giovanni Rotondo private guide: amazing spiritual experience with St. Pio
What's included
Licensed guide
Detailed itinerary
1
san giovanni rotondo
2
san giovanni rotondo
What's not included
Rent earphones/whispers
Private transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
15 reviews
5★
13
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.8
17 reviews
5★
16
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meeting point with the local guide: Santa Maria delle Grazie square, outsise the church
About San Giovanni Rotondo
San Giovanni Rotondo is a charming town in the Puglia region of Italy, renowned as the home of Saint Padre Pio. This spiritual destination offers a blend of religious sites, natural beauty, and authentic Italian culture. Visitors come to experience the profound spiritual atmosphere and explore the picturesque landscapes of the Gargano Peninsula.
Top Attractions
Sanctuary of Saint Padre Pio
This is the most significant attraction in San Giovanni Rotondo, dedicated to Saint Padre Pio, a famous Catholic priest and mystic. The sanctuary includes a church, crypt, and museum.
Religious
2-3 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Gargano National Park
A beautiful national park offering hiking trails, scenic views, and diverse wildlife. It's a great place for outdoor activities and nature lovers.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (some activities may have fees)
Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza
A hospital founded by Padre Pio, known for its innovative design and compassionate care. It's a symbol of Padre Pio's charitable work.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Orecchiette
A traditional pasta shape, often served with turnip greens or meat sauce.
Main Dish
Vegetarian options available
Focaccia
A type of flatbread, often topped with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt.
Snack
Vegetarian
Burrata
A creamy cheese made from mozzarella and cream, often served with tomatoes and basil.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Gargano National Park
Rock climbing
Visiting the beach
Spa treatments
Exploring the sanctuary
Visiting local museums
Swimming
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. This period is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the town's attractions.
15-28°C
59-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English (to some extent)
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
CET (UTC +1), CST (UTC +2) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
San Giovanni Rotondo is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis
- • Be cautious at night in less crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Gino Lisa Airport • 70 km from San Giovanni Rotondo
By train
San Giovanni Rotondo Station
By bus
Foggia Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and convenient for getting around town.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Residential Areas
Day trips
Monte Sant'Angelo
30 km • Half day
A historic town known for its medieval architecture and the Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vieste
50 km • Full day
A beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and picturesque old town.
Festivals
Feast of Saint Padre Pio • September 23
Gargano Festival • Summer
Pro tips
- Visit the sanctuary early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Try local specialties like orecchiette and burrata for an authentic culinary experience
- Explore the Gargano National Park for stunning views and outdoor activities
- Respect the religious customs and dress modestly when visiting churches and the sanctuary
- Book accommodations and tours in advance during peak seasons, especially around the feast of Padre Pio
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
