San Giovanni Rotondo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Giovanni Rotondo
San Giovanni Rotondo
San Giovanni Rotondo
San Giovanni Rotondo
San Giovanni Rotondo

On a holiday in San Giovanni Rotondo you’ll discover this charming town on the slopes of the Monte Calvo, in a valley nestled at the very centre of the Gargano. 

The city owes its name to an ancient circular temple of Janus, on which the Lombards built the church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Frederick II later built the city walls and 15 defence towers, once crenellated and today represented by the Cylindrical Tower, which now houses the Museum of Folk Art. San Giovanni Rotondo is closely tied to the figure of Padre Pio, as demonstrated by the new church designed by Renzo Piano, the convent, the monumental Via Crucis and many other centres of worship. Holidays in San Giovanni Rotondo are an excellent opportunity to spend a few days amid scenic landscapes but also places of historical, artistic and cultural interest.

The Gargano is not only a favourite destination for lovers of the sea and nature, it is also one of the most renowned Italian religious destinations. There are two main points of interest for visiting pilgrims: San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant'Angelo. San Giovanni Rotondo has always been a place of passage since antiquity, although the waves of pilgrims began with the arrival of Padre Pio. A visit to San Giovanni Rotondo is a unique opportunity to retrace the key stages in the life of the saint.

Built in the western area of San Giovanni Rotondo, the Saint Mary of Graces Convent Complex includes the ancient monastery, the fifteenth century church and the new shrine, overlooking the square of the same name. The Convent, where Father Pio lived from 1916 until his death, stands beside the older church dedicated to Our Lady of Graces, constructed about a century later.

An extraordinary place of worship visited by millions of pilgrims every year, the Shrine of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo is the second biggest church in Italy, covering a total area of 6000 square metres. Not far from the historic shrine and the Convent of Saint Mary of Graces, the new Church of Saint Pio, which was inaugurated in 2004 after ten years of work, was designed by the celebrated architect Renzo Piano and financed almost entirely with donations made by pilgrims. This is where the remains of Saint Pio are kept today.

Monte Sant'Angelo, the highest point of the Gargano, is situated in a wonderful panoramic position on a southern spur of the promontory, with open views of the plateau to the west and the Gulf of Manfredonia to the south. Before leaving Monte Sant'Angelo we suggest you also visit the Museum of Popular Art and Traditions of the Gargano, a true reflection of the rural culture of the place.

The Gargano, its history and its cultural heritage will give you a warm welcome: just take a look at our holiday packages to San Giovanni Rotondo and get ready for your next unforgettable adventure!

Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa

Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa

4 out of 5
Viale Aldo Moro, 125, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG
The price is £78 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
£78
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church and ...
8/10 Very Good! (516 reviews)
"Great restaurant and location close to shrine. Massages good too."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa
Hotel Fini

Hotel Fini

3 out of 5
Viale Cappuccini 108, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (268 reviews)
"Staff are friendly and go above and beyond. Giuseppe was fantastic and provided many ideas of where to eat authentic food and he didn’t disappoint."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Hotel Fini
Hotel San Pio

Hotel San Pio

3 out of 5
Viale Cappuccini 115, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
"We checked in late at night and the staff was very helpful. Will come back again for sure. Thank you."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Hotel San Pio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Luciana House a 3-minute walk from the Shrine

Luciana House a 3-minute walk from the Shrine

San Giovanni Rotondo, Provincia di Foggia
Stay at this apartment in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, concierge services and balconies. Popular attractions Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church and Sanctuary ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Grateful for the place
"A perfect location for the shrine of Padre Pio. If there is another reason to go to San Giovanni Rotondo, this may not be the best choice. A few blocks away from the shrine. Nice places to eat nearby but a good kitchen for eating in."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Luciana House a 3-minute walk from the Shrine
Cozy apartment in San Giovanni Rotondo

Cozy apartment in San Giovanni Rotondo

Contrada Posta Tuoro 1, San Giovanni Rotondo
Stay at this apartment in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, housekeeping and air conditioning. Popular attraction Abbey of San Leonardo in Lama Volara ...
Cozy apartment in San Giovanni Rotondo
Zagare Residence

Zagare Residence

3 out of 5
Contrada Santa Barbara, Rodi Garganico, FG
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly residence in Rodi Garganico. Enjoy free parking, a rooftop terrace and a garden. Popular attractions Spiaggia Due Pini and ...
"Bella struttura immersa nell’ ombra degli alberi molto tranquillo camere comode e climatizzate"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2024

Zagare Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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