The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo

Where is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie located?

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in San Giovanni Rotondo, in the province of Foggia, in the heart of Gargano. This place is one of the most visited in Italy for religious tourism, as it houses the convent where Padre Pio of Pietrelcina lived and worked for over fifty years. It is located on Viale Padre Pio, just a short walk from the new Sanctuary designed by Renzo Piano.

Why is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie so important to the faithful?

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is the place where Padre Pio spent most of his earthly life. Here he received the stigmata in 1918, confessed thousands of faithful, and celebrated his famous Masses. For pilgrims, visiting this church means entering the most authentic and intimate places of the saint.

When was the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie built?

The oldest part of the church dates back to the 17th century. Initially, it was a small place of worship with a single altar and a simple facade. Over time, to accommodate the growing number of faithful, the structure was expanded and enriched with baroque decorations. The large modern church was built in 1956, designed by architect Giuseppe Gentile di Boiano, at the request of Padre Pio.

What are the architectural features of the Old Church?

The Old Church, or ancient church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, has a rectangular plan and a sober facade with a portal topped by a frescoed lunette. Above the portal is a small rose window and a bell tower. The interior has a single nave with four side chapels decorated in baroque style. The main altar is enriched by a painting of the Madonna with Child, between Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist.

What can be visited inside the convent of Padre Pio?

From the cloister of the convent, one can access Padre Pio's cell, a place of great meditation. Here the saint spent the last years of his life, dedicating himself to prayer and welcoming the faithful. In the crypt of the church, his body was kept for over forty years, until 2010, when it was transferred to the new Basilica of San Pio. In the old church, there is also the choir where the saint received the stigmata.

What does the Great Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie represent?

The Great Church, built in 1956, arose from the need to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. Padre Pio himself often celebrated Mass outdoors because the old church was no longer sufficient. The interior of the new church is imposing and bright, with green and red marbles creating a striking visual effect. The mosaic of the main altar depicts the Madonna delle Grazie surrounded by angels and Saint Pio.

What works of art are found in the Great Church?

In addition to the large central mosaic, the Great Church features two side mosaics representing Saint John Paul II and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Both house relics of the two saints, as a sign of spiritual communion. The church also hosts a pipe organ built in 1966 by the Bevilacqua company and connected to a more recent mechanical organ with 73 registers.

What are the visiting hours of the Church and the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie?

The complex is open every day from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The old crypt, Padre Pio's cell, and the crucifix are open for visits from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Confession Room and the Welcome Room are accessible from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The Mass schedule is as follows: weekdays at 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM (in the crypt), 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM; on holidays at 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 6:00 PM, and 7:30 PM.

How to get to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie?

For those arriving by car, it is advisable to take the A14 motorway and exit at San Severo if coming from the north or at Foggia if arriving from the south. From San Severo, continue on the SS 272, while from Foggia, take the 89 expressway towards Manfredonia, following the signs for San Giovanni Rotondo. Those traveling by train can reach the Foggia station and continue with Sita buses. The nearest airport is Foggia "Gino Lisa".

What does it feel like to visit Padre Pio's cell?

Padre Pio's cell is one of the most touching places in the complex. It still preserves personal belongings, books, and devotional objects. Upon entering, one can feel the silence and simplicity that characterized the saint's life. Many pilgrims report feeling a deep sense of peace and meditation.

What is found in the old crypt of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie?

In the old crypt, beneath the church, was Padre Pio's tomb until 2010. It was placed under a massive green Labrador marble block, shaped like a sarcophagus and weighing 30 quintals. Today the crypt is still visitable and represents a place of prayer and memory, where thousands of faithful go to remember the saint.

Why visit the Church and Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie?

Visiting this complex is like taking a journey through time and faith. Here, one can breathe the authentic atmosphere of the days when Padre Pio celebrated, prayed, and confessed. The convent is still inhabited by Capuchin friars, who keep the spirituality of the saint alive.

What artistic elements characterize the facade of the Great Church?

The facade of the Great Church is simple yet monumental. The wide staircases lead to the entrance, while the portal is framed by bas-reliefs dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie. The bell tower stands out over the town, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.

What makes the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie unique compared to other places of worship dedicated to Padre Pio?

The uniqueness of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is that it was wanted and lived by Padre Pio himself. Every wall, every chapel, and every altar tells his story. Here, the memory, prayer, and devotion that have made San Giovanni Rotondo one of the most important spiritual destinations in Europe are concentrated.

What useful information is needed to plan a visit?

For further information, you can contact the number 088/2417500 or write to the email address info@santuariopadrepio.it. On the official Sanctuary website, you can also find the updated schedules for celebrations and guided tours. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to visit both the old and the new church calmly.

Why is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie a must-see in San Giovanni Rotondo?

Anyone visiting San Giovanni Rotondo cannot miss stopping at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This place unites art, faith, and history. Every corner tells the life of the saint and his deep bond with the community of the faithful. It is the ideal starting point to understand the figure of Padre Pio and the spirituality that still inspires millions of pilgrims today.