Can I visit Padre Pio's cell and confessional in San Giovanni Rotondo?

By Andrew McGilly, Founder of Bold Pilgrim · Updated 2026-10-04
Research draft · Human editorial review pending

Yes. Padre Pio's cell, kept as he left it with his habit and belongings, and the confessional in the old church of Santa Maria delle Grazie where he heard confessions for decades are both open to visitors free of charge, along a one-way route through the Capuchin friary. The route also passes the choir loft crucifix before which he received the stigmata on September 20, 1918, and the friary museum.

Illustration of a quiet stone chapel with wooden pews and votive candles

Editorial illustration · AI-generated · Not a specific destination

The shrine's published hours list the crypt of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the visitor routes as open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. The friary route includes stairs; the Renzo Piano church and the crypt with the saint's body are step-free.

Capuchin friars lead guided visits in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, and Polish; for individuals and families a visit departs on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. from the Pilgrimage Office at the entrance of the Church of St. Pio, and groups book ahead through the same office (+39 0882 417500). Check the shrine's current schedule.

Related questions, answered

Can I visit Padre Pio's old church without a guided tour?

Yes, the old church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Padre Pio's confessional, and his Cell No. 1 are visited without a guide along a free, one-way route through the friary, open daily from about 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. according to the shrine's visitor timetable. Signs in several languages explain each stop, including the choir-loft crucifix before which he received the stigmata on September 20, 1918. The route includes stairs; assistance is arranged on request. Groups wanting a friar or guide to accompany them arrange it through the Pilgrimage Office on the church square.

Source: Shrine of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Sources & further readingShrine of St. Pio of Pietrelcina: guided visits Shrine of St. Pio of Pietrelcina: Mass times and opening hours

Official sources cover institutional information. Suggested pacing and itinerary choices are planning guidance. Check current arrangements for your travel dates.