The Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina is one of the most coveted destinations for worshippers and non-believers that come from all over the world: it is in San Giovanni Rotondo, in the Foggia province, and it is dedicated to the famous monk Father Pio da Pietrelcina.
The Sanctuary, known also as the church of Padre Pio, is one of the most characteristic worshipping places of religious tourism in Italy. But what is the history behind it?
How did the Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina come to be?
The Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina rises a few meters away from the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie: it was built by request of the Friars Minor Capuchin, brothers of Padre Pio to celebrate this devoted figure who had humility and faith. In particular, the Church has been designed to pay tribute to eucharistic celebrations especially Sunday ones when there is a bigger affluence and to welcome Padre Pio’s remains in the most appropriate manner.
The building of the church, designed by famous architect Renzo Piano, supported by Mons. Crispino Valenziano to cover the liturgic aspect of it, started in 1994. Works finished in 2004, the same year that the Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina was officially consecrated by Mons. D’Ambrosio in front of a crowd of forty thousand people. It is important to highlight that the work was almost completely financed by pilgrims.
One of the main criticisms to the development of this building is that, despite it being commissioned by the order of the Friars Minor Capuchin of the province of Foggia, it does not reflect completely the values of the order and Padre Pio himself.
Visiting the Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina
As previously said, the Basilica is located in Puglia, specifically in the town of San Giovanni Rotondo, and it is set among the mountains of the Gargano: the atmosphere of the place is very characteristic, featuring typical towns and natural beauties, it welcomes, every year, millions of pilgrims that come from literally everywhere.
Inside, the Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina is 6000 square meters big and it can have 7000 people: the Church is just next to the pre-existing Sanctuary and Convent, actual places where Padre Pio lived.
One of the peculiarities that makes the sanctuary stand out is the use of the Apricena stone, which makes the structure resistant and with which the decorations have been made. It is also worth knowing that, inside, the structure is quite singular: built in a contemporary style, it is quite far from the structural canons of classical churches and it has a shell shape.
Inside you can see big beams, mosaics, polychrome stained glass windows even though as a whole the result is quite simple: what makes the sanctuary unique is the faith and sense of belonging to the community which you can feel anywhere in the building. Outside you can see a big triangular churchyard, dedicated to John Paul II: interesting trivia is that the churchyard was built on sloping ground, with the goal to physically lead the worshippers inside the structure. There is also an outside area from which you have a view featuring a majestic stone cross, a bell tower, eight stone little eagles and 24 centuries-old olive trees representing the 12 apostles and the 12 main prophets.
One of the main tips to best appreciate the Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina is to plan your visit when there are no religious functions scheduled: this way you can enjoy the silence and the atmosphere typical of the place.
How to access the Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina?
The Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina is open every day from 7 AM to 7 PM and entrance is free: you can, however, if you want to, leave an offer.
For pilgrims, there is a dedicated office, open from 8 AM to 7 PM where you can ask information: specifically, they plan guided tours in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Polish, they give out maps of the Sanctuary and they grant access to the “Room of the Pilgrim” to those who have brought food with them.
If you want to live a unique experience and visit a suggestive and fascinating place, the Sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina is what you are looking for!
Featured image: Francescani per la vita
