Chiesa di San Pio
Chiesa di San Pio
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4.0
1,708 reviews
Excellent
995
Very good
337
Average
182
Poor
92
Terrible
102
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Rosy G
Italy290 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We traveled so many km to go to the church of San Pio and once we arrived we were told by the security guard that the little dog (a 2 kg ball) that I HAD IN MY ARMS AND WAS IN SILENCE, could not enter the church. I would have known if it was loud or not in my arms but not like this! We had to take turns to enter the church to give a quick greeting to Padre Pio because it was so cold outside. Change the rules! Saint Francis loved animals and the doors of the Church must be open to EVERYONE, to 4-legged animals and even to 2-legged ones! You lack common sense, sensitivity, heart, compassion. Leaving a person out in the cold after traveling so many miles, just because we had a little dog. Shame on you!
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Written 8 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dayra B
1 contribution
July 2024 • Solo
The Chiesa di San Pio is a beautiful and modern building. The tiled walls in the interior are breathtaking; definetely worth a visit. I thought I would encounter more people but it was not the case; just a few more small groups. I recommend to engage a local guide to take you through the place, which is quite large. It echoes, however, a grandeur that was very unknown to Padre Pio.
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chiaru_26
54 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Personally I prefer the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. I prefer the simplicity that distinguishes the figure of Padre Pio. The big church, for heaven's sake, is beautiful. We had the opportunity to attend Mass. It is so spacious and despite there are so many people you don't even notice because it is well arranged. Immense spaces even outside, with trees, the big cross and birds. All very beautiful, however, Padre Pio was a simple man and all this pomp does not characterize him.
Automatically translated
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giulia A
76 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The cathedral is beautiful, we went there on the occasion of my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, we visited it all. I really liked seeing Padre Pio, but I must say that for Padre Pio's experience it is actually too luxurious, but this in my personal opinion, I prefer Pietralcina where everything has remained unchanged. I believe that Padre Pio would have invested all that money for those most in need. I really liked the creation of the hospital in his name.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony7704
Marica, RJ39 contributions
Nov 2012 • Solo
To visit the Sanctuary of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina was one of the main reasons I went to Italy for the first time. Located in the town of San Giovanni Rotondo (SGR), province of Foggia and region of Puglia, the trip was an incredible experience for me.
There are two ways of getting there from Rome. One is taking a bus all the way to SGR. I decided to do it the other way by taking the Frecciargento train that goes from the Termini station in Rome to Foggia. The round trip ticket cost me 59 euros. I then took the SITA bus from Foggia to SGR, paying 2.80 euros each way. The train ride was about 3 hours and the bus took an hour.
I got off the bus stop in SGR, an area surrounded by small souvenir shops with various Padre Pio items and other religious articles. I later found out that the sanctuary is very close to this spot.
Hotel Imaggine (I have a review on this hotel) where I had my accommodation is also walking distance to the shrine. The hotel is on Via Aldo Moro where just about 3 blocks away is the nicely paved, tree-lined promenade leading to the sanctuary. I enjoyed the tranquil walk on this lane, which took me to the church, the side of which boasts of beautiful massive rectangular pillars lining a lengthy walkway.
The vast expanse of the whole compound is very impressive. The artificial pond on the right side of the churchyard with small water falls add to that sense of tranquility.
Contrary to what other reviewers say, I don’t mind the modern architecture of the church. I consider the modernity as a way of portraying Padre Pio as a saint of the modern time . . . out time. My only comment is that at first glance, it does not seem to give the impression that it is a church. To some, the front may even look like a sporting stadium or a modern museum. However, the towering cross flanked by an array of bells on the far left side give it that religious feel. Let’s just accept the saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
I love the effect of the gentle arcing trusses inside the church that seemingly radiate from the altar. By and large, I find the church interior beautiful.
I was also impressed by the mosaic chapel (Chiesa Inferiore) with the metallic resplendence of its walls and ceiling. It is totally different from the main church and it gave me the feeling of being inside a spacious golden chamber. The tomb of Padre Pio, covered in similar metallic mosaic pattern, is housed in this chapel.
There are three stores where one can pick up Padre Pio souvenirs and other religious materials.
The Via Dolorosa (Station of the Cross) outside is another feature of the sanctuary. Constructed on the hillside are hundreds of steps, starting from the base with a statue of Padre Pio and ascending to an altar at the very top showing the Resurrected Christ. On one level you can see a beautiful panorama of the sanctuary compound and backdrop of the town.
I spent two days in SGR but did not have the chance to explore the other sites and attractions the town has to offer. But having visited the sanctuary of Padre Pio was more than enough and uplifting for me. It was a dream fulfilled . . . but I wouldn’t mind going back for the second time!
There are two ways of getting there from Rome. One is taking a bus all the way to SGR. I decided to do it the other way by taking the Frecciargento train that goes from the Termini station in Rome to Foggia. The round trip ticket cost me 59 euros. I then took the SITA bus from Foggia to SGR, paying 2.80 euros each way. The train ride was about 3 hours and the bus took an hour.
I got off the bus stop in SGR, an area surrounded by small souvenir shops with various Padre Pio items and other religious articles. I later found out that the sanctuary is very close to this spot.
Hotel Imaggine (I have a review on this hotel) where I had my accommodation is also walking distance to the shrine. The hotel is on Via Aldo Moro where just about 3 blocks away is the nicely paved, tree-lined promenade leading to the sanctuary. I enjoyed the tranquil walk on this lane, which took me to the church, the side of which boasts of beautiful massive rectangular pillars lining a lengthy walkway.
The vast expanse of the whole compound is very impressive. The artificial pond on the right side of the churchyard with small water falls add to that sense of tranquility.
Contrary to what other reviewers say, I don’t mind the modern architecture of the church. I consider the modernity as a way of portraying Padre Pio as a saint of the modern time . . . out time. My only comment is that at first glance, it does not seem to give the impression that it is a church. To some, the front may even look like a sporting stadium or a modern museum. However, the towering cross flanked by an array of bells on the far left side give it that religious feel. Let’s just accept the saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
I love the effect of the gentle arcing trusses inside the church that seemingly radiate from the altar. By and large, I find the church interior beautiful.
I was also impressed by the mosaic chapel (Chiesa Inferiore) with the metallic resplendence of its walls and ceiling. It is totally different from the main church and it gave me the feeling of being inside a spacious golden chamber. The tomb of Padre Pio, covered in similar metallic mosaic pattern, is housed in this chapel.
There are three stores where one can pick up Padre Pio souvenirs and other religious materials.
The Via Dolorosa (Station of the Cross) outside is another feature of the sanctuary. Constructed on the hillside are hundreds of steps, starting from the base with a statue of Padre Pio and ascending to an altar at the very top showing the Resurrected Christ. On one level you can see a beautiful panorama of the sanctuary compound and backdrop of the town.
I spent two days in SGR but did not have the chance to explore the other sites and attractions the town has to offer. But having visited the sanctuary of Padre Pio was more than enough and uplifting for me. It was a dream fulfilled . . . but I wouldn’t mind going back for the second time!
Written 23 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fuad K
Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories26 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
For a pilgrimage a stay of two nights is enough. Visit the old church and shrine of Our Lady of Grace friary where St. Pio of Pietrelcina lived, the upper and lower church where the relics of the Saint are kept,the Way of the Cross and Mary Pyle’s house.
Take a half day trip to Monte San Angelo.
Take a half day trip to Monte San Angelo.
Written 2 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margarita M
Mandaluyong, Philippines75 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
Start with a visit to the place where St. Pio lived and died and see all the memorabilia that is very well displayed. Next visit the small church where he use to say mass and hear confessions. Then the bigger church and then the crypt where his remains were kept until 2011. Visit the new and modern church and the new crypt where his remains are kept and are on display. There is a mass at noon and another one in the afternoon at around 5 p.m.
What I didn't like was that most of the explanations in the place where St. Pio lived are in Italian. Would be good if they had them also in English and maybe another language.
What I didn't like was that most of the explanations in the place where St. Pio lived are in Italian. Would be good if they had them also in English and maybe another language.
Written 8 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
71emma
Kuching, Malaysia539 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
We stayed at the Hotel Grand Paradiso at San Giovanni Rotondo. It's only 3 mins' walk to St. Pio's Shrine, actually directly opposite, across the road. The whole place was full of pilgrims when we arrived. We all queued to venerate his remains. It was placed in the lower Church.
The atmosphere was quiet and solemn here. Everybody reverently touched the glass wall where he lay, all speaking our personal words and messages in our hearts to this great Saint of our modern day. It was indeed a very touching moment to see him at close quarters. One lady was weeping inconsolably at the right side of the glass wall, loathe to lose sight of him as the rest of us slowly passed her by.
Later, we were brought to see his cell, the Confessional where he sat in from morning to night, day after day..
We were also invited to the English Office where we watched a half-hour video tape on the life of St. Pio, which brought tears to many of our eyes.
A number of books written by St. Pio were available here ('100 Letters for you'; on Holy Souls and about his life). A request for Eternal Mass can be offered here too with a donation of 10Euro. To think that our intentions will be offered daily at this holy Shrine consoles us immensely.
It's a beautiful feeling as we left with light hearts..
The atmosphere was quiet and solemn here. Everybody reverently touched the glass wall where he lay, all speaking our personal words and messages in our hearts to this great Saint of our modern day. It was indeed a very touching moment to see him at close quarters. One lady was weeping inconsolably at the right side of the glass wall, loathe to lose sight of him as the rest of us slowly passed her by.
Later, we were brought to see his cell, the Confessional where he sat in from morning to night, day after day..
We were also invited to the English Office where we watched a half-hour video tape on the life of St. Pio, which brought tears to many of our eyes.
A number of books written by St. Pio were available here ('100 Letters for you'; on Holy Souls and about his life). A request for Eternal Mass can be offered here too with a donation of 10Euro. To think that our intentions will be offered daily at this holy Shrine consoles us immensely.
It's a beautiful feeling as we left with light hearts..
Written 11 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
311candeloro
Derbyshire, UK47 contributions
Sept 2016 • Family
I have been visiting this shrine for 30 years and to 'feel' the journey would recommend that you visit the old church first to experience the humble beginnings of this man, his journey and challenges, his healings, and how the hospital originated.Take time to visit the Cell and see how he lived, and see the multitude of items including hundreds of letters that he received.Many visitors rush past this to visit the new spectacular church and miss out on the origins of the shrine, it is understandable as the two churches are side by side and the old church is dwarfed by the new shrine. As you approach the new church you may struggle with the modern building but take time to understand the concept, the sloping approach and olive trees are consideration for disabled pilgrims attending outdoor Mass, proving both access and shade. Admire the wonderful bells and statues of birds as their significance is revealed later. The approach to the shrine is a curved gentle slope again telling you a story in rich mosaic pictures, cleverly constructed to reveal each mosaic as you walk round the curve. I initially struggled with the 'bling' but understand that this is a result of dedications and gifts given on August 15th the Feast of the Assumption. The shrine itself is again carefully constructed to reveal Padre Pio at the end and enable you to have a private time with him and then sit to reflect. The whole visit takes a good half day and involved a lot of walking and stairs although there are lifts. There are plenty of hotels nearby offering menu of the day. One thing to avoid if you are going by car is the touts who try and get you to park in the hotels as you drive up to the top of the hill. They wear high viz vests and indicate that there is limited parking at the top when in fact there is an excellent multi storey car park leaving your car in the shade at a reasonable rate( we paid 4 euro). This is a stunning experience and results in two wonderful hospitals and a sanctury of healing set within a beautiful part of the world.
Written 6 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pat63tim@gmail.com
Swords, Ireland56 contributions
Feb 2012 • Family
Went to the Church and saw a crowd queuing outside another building and curiosity got the better of us , we joined to discover that the body/remains of Padre Pio were on show in the basement in a glass coffin. Amazing!!! we were very fortunate to be there as we were told that they were going to be burying remains shortly after .Our visit was in either 2008 or 2009 i think !!!
Written 27 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buon giorno, vorremmo visitare il santuario di Padre Pio il giorno di Pasqua e partecipare alla messa. Considerato che è un giorno particolare la visita è possibile? Quanto tempo da dedicare?
Written 3 April 2019
Ciao Franco, per visitare questo luogo,non bisogna aver fretta.... dedichi, se sei credente,il più tempo possibile, visitando la Chiesa vecchia, con tutti i ricordi di Padre Pio. Poi visiti con calma e assapora la Chiesa nuova, specialmente il piano sotto. Poi volendo fare la via crucis ci vuole un attimo. La sosta lunga la scalinata è consigliabile, soffermandosi sul altare a metà scalinata e appoggiando l'orecchio al marmo....
il tempo necessario per sentire la Santa messa.
Devi anche tener presente che per la Santa Pasqua ci sarà molta gente, quindi può darsi che ce da fare molta colonna per poter visitare il tutto.
Ci sono anche diversi ristorantino in zona, se vuoi fermarti per il pranzo.
Calcolare più di mezza giornata abbondante.
buona visita.
Written 4 April 2019
Capisco che per sicurezza non si possono accendere le candele ma ci sono quelle elettroniche che non scaldano quindi non capisco perché vietarlo
Written 29 November 2018
Penso sia più opportuno utilizzare le candele elettroniche per proteggere le bellezze di queste chiese
Written 29 November 2018
Good morning Tony, we’re you able to visit the old church on your own? Thanks
Written 1 September 2018
Hi I tried to include the link to the site but it is blocked on Trip Advisor. Basically Mass is 6.30 am, 7.30 am, 8.30 am, 10.00, 11.00, 16.30 1800
I hope you have a wonderful experience
Written 17 January 2018
Perché nella tomba di San Padre Pio buttano i soldi? simbolo del demonio.
Perché non c'è nessun angolo dove accendere un cero simbolo della luce di Dio? Neanche all esterno?
Written 14 September 2017
Perché purtroppo i visitatori medi sono poco educati e per niente credenti. Pensano di comprare la guarigione per familiari malati o per se stessi "buttando" banconote sulla tomba non pensando nemmeno che sia un oltraggio ed una mancanza di rispetto per un Santo.
Motivo per cui la chiesa nuova a mio modesto parere non ha niente di religioso ma è solo interessante da un punto di vista architettonico.
Written 14 September 2017
How many days do you need to really experience the shrine and area? Just for context I spent 4 days at Lourdes two years ago. Do I need the same amount of time? Thanks travel community
Written 11 February 2017
Depending on what you want to experience and how much time you have, in general, I think 3 days/2 nights is good. Personally, we spent 4 days/3 nights, which was extremely leisurely and enjoyable...exactly how we like it. We arrived late afternoon and visited the lower church of San Pio where Padre Pio is entombed. The following morning we drove to Mont Sant'Angelo (about 30 minutes and DEFINITELY worth the trip if you have a car), rested and then visited Santuario di Santa Maria Delle Grazie. Our 2nd morning we attended Sunday Mass, walked the Way of the Cross and had a nice lunch. We left on the 3rd morning. The lower church is absolutely beautiful - we took it all in. For my family, this was definitely a memorable pilgrimage. Padre Pio is one of our favorites. Enjoy planning!
Written 13 February 2017
Buonasera, quanto tempo devo contare di dedicare alla visita del santuario di Padre Pio? e di tutto il comprensorio in generale?
Written 5 September 2016
Senza messa in due ore e mezza, compreso benedizione familiare e degli oggetti eventualmente acquistati può visitare entrambe le chiese quella vecchia e quella nuova. Io ho ascoltato la messa nella nuova, ma secondo me nella chiesa vecchia c'è maggiore spiritualità, ma C era alle 16:30 e con i tempi Nn ce L ho fatta e abbiamo ascoltato quella delle 18 nella nuova. Spero di esserti stato utile
Written 8 September 2016
La città è San Giovanni rotondo, il viaggio in auto è la miglior soluzione, perché con il treno risulta molto complicato
Written 8 September 2016
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