Il Gargano – San Giovanni Rotondo – Monte San Angelo

I am not the type of person to go on religious pilgrimages so why am I talking about 2 strictly religious destinations. At the beginning of the networking and Internet expansion I was asked to design a secure network to connect 7 of the long term care institutes of the Padre Pio foundation. These are located in San Giovanni Rotondo. I was amazed to see the number of people that arrived every day in this little town. These people were not your typical vacationers. Most had little money and had spent most of their funds just getting there.

This is a religious pilgrimage for excellence. San Michele, the archangel Michael, is the patron saint of Foggia and many of his miracles are attributed to the cavern of San Michele in Sant Angelo on the Gargano. A sanctuary rises above the cavern where it is said that the image of the saint is burned into the walls of rock. The medieval town of Monte S. Angelo has retained its original look and feel. Divided in zones slightly larger than courtyards you find small shops and restaurants around every corner.

The town is located above the cliffs overlooking the coastline and the panoramic view of the beaches can be seen from most parts of the town. This is an interesting place to take a daytrip.

Further into the Gargano is San Giovanni Rotondo. Millions of pilgrims arrive every year to visit the sanctuary of Padre Pio. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to park in the town unless you are checking into one of the healthcare facilities. Busses will bring you to primary plaza from which you have a marvelous panoramic view of the Gargano. A large Avenue leads right up to the Sanctuary and along the way you can find all sorts of religious paraphernalia. Most of the hotels are family operated and they can direct you to find just about anything you might need or desire regarding Padre Pio. Remember visitors do not come to these areas for the food or wine so you should not expect anything really special.

Tags: Gargano Padre Pio Monte San Michele Puglia Travel Italy