San Giovanni Rotondo

San Giovanni Rotondo: circular baptistery

San Giovanni Rotondo, town, Puglia (Apulia) regione, southeastern Italy, on the Promontorio (promontory) del Gargano below Monte Calvo, just north-northeast of Foggia city. It is said to be built over a ruined temple of Jupiter and derives its name from an ancient circular (rotundus) baptistery. The church of Sant’ Onofrio dates from the 13th century. After World War II, the town became world famous for the pilgrimages made there to honour Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, a stigmatic, of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The Fiorello La Guardia hospital, named for the former mayor of New York City and internationally financed, was built for the relief of sick pilgrims. Local commerce is largely agricultural, though bauxite mines are nearby. Pop. (2006 est.) mun., 26,501.