The saying “All roads lead to Rome” totally sums up that there is a variety of ways to get to your destination.
During our previous trip, we resided in a fully equipped apartment in the heart of the Town. We travelled from Naples to San Giovanni Rotondo by Flixbus, which conveniently dropped us off at Piazza Europa 6, making it easy to access the apartment.
Traveling by train from Milano towards San Giovanni Rotondo was a luxury. Our only issue is that the Trenitalia route does not pass through the Pilgrimage spot. We are required to hop onto a bus at the nearest town.
Embracing our adventurous spirit, we boarded a train from Milan and took a local bus in Foggia to San Giovanni Rotondo. To my astonishment, this ‘local bus’ was far more luxurious than my living room, complete with luggage storage. I anticipated some intricate manoeuvres to stow my bags, reminiscent of my experiences in Singapore. However, our luggage seemed to be on a wellness retreat, receiving excellent care while we relaxed as esteemed travellers.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my experience on the train, boarding a bus in Foggia can often prove to be a challenge, particularly when the tickets do not indicate the designated embarkation point.
Information – if following this Foggia route:
- Arriving to Foggia by train, the surroundings are like a neighbourhood commune and not as touristy as many other places around Italy
- The bus ticketing office in Foggia is not always open.
- Safest to purchase your bus tickets before arriving at Foggia. Bus tickets can be purchased online – make sure you print the confirmation.
- Boarding etiquette – show the bus driver your ticket. He will ask you for your destination and instruct which side of the storage below to place your luggage before boarding. Follow instructions accordingly.
- Vocabulary to be considered at Foggia: – fer means every working day; Gior means everyday incuding weekends.
San Giovanni Rotondo is a charming town that has historically served as the residence of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, more commonly referred to as Padre Pio. Annually, numerous pilgrims visit this distinguished destination with great anticipation.
Information
- Religious site – dress modestly.
- Photography is allowed except during Mass and in the underground chapel where Padre Pio’s body rests
- The Sanctuaries open daily from 7am to 7pm
- Free entry – no tickets required
- If visited on a weekday, there is no wait time. Weekends can be a little crowded but not extensively.
- For up-to-date information on the timing and location where Masses will be celebrated, click here for the Official site of Convent and Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcin.
The Sanctuaries are situated on the periphery of the town, in the northeastern section of this southern Italian treasure, just a short ascent from the bus terminal along Viale Cappuccini.
About Viale Cappuccini
- For anyone intending to be dropped off at the San Giovanni bus terminal, please note that the terrain of Viale Cappuccini is gradual 25 degrees slope.
- Footpath on the side of the Bus Terminal is narrow and may not be suitable for rolling luggage.
Sanctuary of Saint Mary Our Lady of Graces
At the end of Viale Cappuccini, you’ll find this awesome Catholic church called the Sanctuary of Saint Mary Our Lady of Graces (Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie).
The areas of the sanctuary worth visiting includes the historical church, a contemporary mosaic church, a museum located at street level and a crypt with a chapel below the Church.
The staircases within the new church lead to both a crypt and a chapel. The tomb of Padre Pio was located in the crypt prior to the exhumation of the saint’s remains in 2008.
Sanctuary of San Pio
The Sanctuary of San Pio (Santuario di San Pio da Pietrelcina) complex features several areas worth exploring.
The Sanctuary is home to a huge outdoor courtyard that gracefully descends toward the Complex’s main entrance, creating a breathtaking gathering spot where pilgrims unite to joyfully celebrate outdoor Mass. This welcoming haven can graciously accommodate around 30,000 pilgrims, all drawn together in fervent devotion.
The underground crypt where Padre Pio’s body lies in a glass tomb. Pilgrims travel here to venerate the body of the Saint.
Certainly, I am aware that the Sanctuary serves as a designated place of worship, and I sincerely appreciate the architect’s thoughtful concept of incorporating a spacious hall within the complex, facilitating pilgrims to unwind, reflect, and partake in a meal. The hall is comprehensively furnished with tables, chairs, waste bins, and restrooms.
Information
- Opens daily from 7am to 7pm
- No photography and video allowed within these walls
- This is a Sacred place
- Occasionally guarded by attendants to ensure no photography allowed.
- For more information, click here to visit the Official site.
Statua del Cristo Risorto
The Sentiero della Via Crucis (Way of the Cross trail) is a 3.3km pathway that features 15 intricately constructed wooden stations of the Cross. Pilgrims may either commence their journey from the Sanctuary or enter from Viale Padre Pio by navigating a slight incline.
The fifteen stations are set up along a nice, easy slope that winds its way up the hill, ending at the top where the altar of the Resurrection is located.
Personally, I have a profound connection to this place. Many years ago, I experienced weakness in my ankles, which consistently hindered my ability to walk. During my previous visit, I struggled along this pathway but fervently prayed that if my ankles were to heal, I would faithfully offer my prayers as I made my way to the altar of the Resurrection. Following a tendon reconstruction of my ankle, I found myself able to walk with greater steadiness. I fulfilled my promise and ascended this hill with my mother, pausing at each station to pray.
Information
- Sacred place – be mindful of behavior.
- Groups of Pilgrims would stroll along these pathways, pausing at each station to pray.
- This is not a playground. Talking aloud and rowdy behaviour is considered as inappropriate.
- The Way of the Cross trail is wheelchair friendly.