San Giovanni Rotondo, Spiritual Experience of Saint Pio

Explore a guided tour through San Giovanni Rotondo, an essential pilgrimage site in Italy. Delve into the historical significance of this destination, which encompasses the ancient church, newly constructed churches, and the innovative architecture of renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, who has designed the new Sanctuary.

A meticulously planned guided tour of San Giovanni Rotondo will commence with a journey to explore the residences of Saint Pius V, who resided here for approximately fifty years. The itinerary encompasses the most notable sites: the ancient church constructed during the mid-1500s, featuring a singular baroque-style nave; the adjacent monastery; and the new sanctuary housing the relics of Saint Pius V. Visitors will proceed to the newly erected church, strategically designed to manage the substantial influx of pilgrims drawn to San Giovanni Rotondo. Here, the revered saint officiated Mass and conducted confessions. Subsequently, visitors can admire the various items belonging to Saint Pius V within the convent premises before concluding their tour at the Sanctuary, conceived by renowned architect Renzo Piano. This monumental structure, one of the largest in Italy, can accommodate up to seven thousand worshippers and boasts exquisite interior architecture including intricate stone arches and works by illustrious Italian artists like Arnaldo Pomodoro. Following the ascent to the upper church, visitors traverse a spiral staircase to access the lower church and its adjoining crypt, where the remains of Saint Pius V lie interred.