Famed as the birthplace of Padre Pio, Pietrelcina is a charming town in the Italian province of Benevento. Born Francesco Forgione, Pio of Pietrelcina was a Capuchin friar who showed evidence of stigmata in 1918 and went on to be venerated as a saint by the Catholic church. He was responsible for founding the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a private research hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Things to do in Pietrelcina
Pietrelcina’s most famous building is the Convento dei Frati Minori Cappuccini, a beautiful convent and church home to the tomb of Fra Modestino. Adjacent is the Museo Ricordi di Padre Pio, which explores the life and legacy of Pio of Pietrelcina. In addition to clothing, shoes and a cradle from his birth, the museum displays chalices, purifiers and sacred vestments.
You can visit the birthplace of Francesco Forgione at Casa Natale di Padre Pio, which has been furnished as it would have appeared in the late 19th century. Wander through the kitchen and bedroom illuminated by a four-glazed window while learning about the supernatural experiences Padre Pio had here. A few steps away is the “Torretta” where the saint lived between 1909 and 1912.
Nearby is the Chiesa Madre Santa Maria degli Angeli, a Neoclassical-style church flanked by a beautiful bell tower. Admire the bronze door decorated with scenes from Padre Pio’s life before stepping inside to see the statue depicting the “Madonna della Libera”. Also within the church are relics from Padre Pio and a large sculpture dedicated to the saint.
Getting around Pietrelcina
Pietrelcina is around 20 minutes’ drive from Benevento and 1.5 hours from Naples International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Pietrelcina and the town is small enough to explore on foot.