San Giovanni Rotondo

San Giovanni Rotondo is a small municipality located in a valley in the southern part of the Gargano peninsula.

The town is known for having been the home of Padre Pio da Pietralcina, beatified by Pope John XXIII on the 2nd of May 2000, which has made it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations of the last century.

The country is dominated by Monte Calvo which, with its 1065 meters, is the highest mountain of the entire Gargano.

Historical Notes

The territory where San Giovanni Rotondo lies was inhabited since the ancient times, and several populations left traces of their passage here. However, its existence was officially recorded for the first time only in 1095. The Angevins and Aragonesi exerted power in successive periods over the territory.  

The 17th century was a difficult century for the inhabitants of San Giovanni Rotondo, who had to deal with a terrible earthquake and then with the epidemic of plague.

During the 18th century the town seemed to recover and be ready to come back on the economic growth path: new public facilities were built, roads were improved and enlarged, and the whole town became bigger, thanks to the construction of new houses.

The 19th century marked the beginning of a new era of turbulence: more epidemics spread all over the territory, exacerbated by a flood and another earthquake.

Finally, the arrival of Padre Pio in 1916 would permanently alter the destiny of this community, marking with his presence the history and the landscape of the town. In fact, he decisively contributed to the construction of several works of public utility, such as the House for the Relief of Suffering and the modern Sanctuary near the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

The House for the Relief of Suffering  is a modern and well equipped hospital that provides home repair every year to many sick and needy people.