On the morning of August 10, 1910, a frail twenty-three-year-old Capuchin friar named Francesco Forgione knelt before Archbishop Paolo Schinosi in the ancient cathedral of Benevento. When he rose, he was Father Pio—the priest who would become one of the most venerated saints of the twentieth century. The cathedral where this momentous ordination took place still stands at the heart of a city whose Christian heritage stretches back nearly two millennia, through Lombard dukes, Byzantine emperors, and the apostle Bartholomew himself.
Benevento rises from the confluence of the Sabato and Calore rivers in the hills of Campania, its skyline punctuated by medieval bell towers and the unmistakable arch of Emperor Trajan. The Romans called it Beneventum—the "place of good winds"—and Christianity took root here in the earliest centuries of the faith. When Lombard warriors swept through Italy in the sixth century, they made Benevento their southern capital and built the Church of Santa Sofia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monuments of early medieval Europe. In 838, the relics of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle arrived from Sicily, establishing Benevento as a major pilgrimage destination that rivaled Naples in spiritual prestige.
Today pilgrims come to Benevento for the same reasons they have for twelve centuries: to venerate the apostle's relics, to pray in the Lombard church of Santa Sofia, and now to walk in the footsteps of Padre Pio at the very altar where he first celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. From here, the saint's birthplace at Pietrelcina lies just twelve kilometers away, making Benevento the natural starting point for any pilgrimage honoring Italy's most beloved modern saint.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Christianity came early to Benevento. Tradition holds that Saint Januarius, the patron of Naples, was bishop here before his martyrdom under Diocletian. By the early seventh century, a cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary had risen at the heart of the Roman city. When the Lombards established the Duchy of Benevento in 571, they gradually converted from Arianism to Catholic Christianity, and Duke Arechis II built the Church of Santa Sofia around 760 as the spiritual center of his realm.
The translation of Saint Bartholomew's relics in 838 transformed Benevento's spiritual landscape. The apostle's bones had rested on the island of Lipari since the sixth century, but Arab raids threatened their safety. Lombard prince Sicardo arranged their transfer to Benevento, where they were received with tremendous celebration. The relics established the city as a major pilgrimage center, and the cathedral was rebuilt and expanded to house them worthily. Over the centuries, portions of the relics were distributed to other churches—most notably to Rome's San Bartolomeo all'Isola in 983—but Benevento has always maintained that it possesses the true remains of the apostle.
The cathedral that pilgrims see today is largely a post-war reconstruction. Allied bombing in September 1943 devastated the medieval structure, destroying the magnificent bronze doors that had welcomed pilgrims since the twelfth century. Only the Romanesque facade and the ancient crypt survived. Architect Paolo Rossi de Paoli oversaw the rebuilding in the 1960s, and in 2012, new bronze doors cast using medieval lost-wax techniques were installed, restoring something of the cathedral's former glory.
The ordination of Padre Pio on August 10, 1910, added a new chapter to Benevento's sacred history. Born Francesco Forgione in nearby Pietrelcina, the young friar had entered the Capuchin order at fifteen. Chronic illness nearly ended his religious life, but he persevered and was ordained at Benevento Cathedral by Archbishop Schinosi. Four days later, he celebrated his first solemn Mass in Pietrelcina. Within a decade, he would receive the stigmata at San Giovanni Rotondo, beginning the extraordinary ministry that would make him one of the most famous priests in history.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Benevento
Benevento's sacred sites cluster along the Corso Garibaldi, the main street that follows the path of the ancient Roman road. From the cathedral at the city's heart, pilgrims can walk to Santa Sofia, the Basilica of Saint Bartholomew, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie within minutes of each other.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria de Episcopio
Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Bishopric
The cathedral where Padre Pio was ordained has stood at the heart of Benevento since the seventh century. Duke Arechis II enlarged it in the eighth century, and Lombard prince Sico I added the nave and aisles around 830. Despite earthquake damage in 1456 and near-destruction in the 1943 bombings, the cathedral has been faithfully rebuilt. The late Romanesque facade, dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, features six marble portals with Pisan influences. The magnificent bronze doors (Janua Major), originally crafted in the twelfth century, depicted seventy-two scenes from the life of Christ; a replica using traditional casting methods was installed in 2012. Inside, the rebuilt nave leads to the ancient crypt, which preserves fragments of fourteenth-century frescoes and the original seventh-century structure. A large statue of Saint Bartholomew stands in the cathedral, honoring the apostle whose relics made Benevento a pilgrimage destination. The bell tower, built in 1279, incorporates seventeen Roman gravestones in its facade—a reminder of the deep layers of history beneath this sacred ground.
Chiesa di Santa Sofia
Church of Holy Wisdom — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Founded around 760 by Lombard Duke Arechis II, this extraordinary church became the national sanctuary of the Lombards after the fall of their northern kingdom in 774. Named after Constantinople's Hagia Sophia, it represents one of the finest examples of early medieval architecture in Europe. The church features a unique stellar plan, with six central columns—possibly salvaged from the ancient Temple of Isis—supporting a dome above a hexagonal core. The walls preserve fragments of eighth-century frescoes depicting scenes from Christ's life, among the most important examples of Lombard painting in southern Italy. The twelfth-century cloister, with its perfect blend of Eastern and Western elements, adjoins the former monastery that now houses the Museo del Sannio. UNESCO inscribed Santa Sofia on the World Heritage List in 2011 as part of the "Longobards in Italy: Places of Power" serial site, recognizing its exceptional testimony to Lombard civilization.
Basilica di San Bartolomeo Apostolo
Basilica of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle
This church guards the relics of Saint Bartholomew, translated here from Lipari in 838. The original medieval church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1688, and the present Baroque structure was designed by Filippo Raguzzini and consecrated by Pope Benedict XIII in 1729. Benedict XIII, formerly Archbishop of Benevento, maintained a special devotion to the city throughout his pontificate. The basilica contains bones and a large piece of the apostle's skin, preserved in precious reliquaries. According to tradition, Bartholomew was flayed alive in Armenia before his martyrdom, making him the patron saint of tanners and leatherworkers. Pilgrims venerate his relics here on his feast day, August 24, when the city celebrates the apostle's presence with special solemnity.
Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie
Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces
Founded following a vow made during the cholera epidemic of 1837, this sanctuary honors the patroness of the Sannio region. The foundation stone was laid on May 20, 1839, by Gioacchino Pecci—the future Pope Leo XIII. The sanctuary opened to the public in 1893 and was elevated to a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1957. The Franciscan Friars Minor have cared for the sanctuary since 1959. Inside, pilgrims venerate a precious sixteenth-century polychrome wooden statue of the Madonna delle Grazie by Giovanni Merliano da Nola. The statue replaced an earlier Byzantine image of the Virgin, reputedly brought from Constantinople in the eighth century, which was venerated in the ancient Church of San Lorenzo that once stood on this site.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Saint Bartholomew — August 24
The universal feast day of the apostle takes on special significance in Benevento, where his relics have rested since 838. Pilgrims gather at the Basilica di San Bartolomeo for solemn Mass and veneration of the relics. The celebration commemorates both the apostle's martyrdom and the translation of his bones from Lipari.
Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie — July 2
The major pilgrimage day at the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie draws devotees from across the Sannio region. Religious processions wind through the city streets, and special Masses honor the patroness of the region.
Anniversary of Padre Pio's Ordination — August 10
The anniversary of Padre Pio's priestly ordination at Benevento Cathedral in 1910 is commemorated with special Masses. Many pilgrims combine a visit to the cathedral with the nearby sites in Pietrelcina, where Padre Pio celebrated his first solemn Mass four days after his ordination.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Villa Traiano ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Elegant early twentieth-century villa with gardens, just fifty meters from the Arch of Trajan. Features a rooftop garden with panoramic views, spa, swimming pool, and restaurant. Short walk to the cathedral and historic center. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Antum Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Modern four-star hotel near the train station, 600 meters from the cathedral. Italian garden, gourmet restaurant, swimming pool with views, and fitness center. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Grand Hotel Italiano ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Historic family-run hotel operating since 1923, 100 meters from the train station. Classic style with wooden furniture and regional cuisine restaurant. Free garage parking. Reserve this hotel
Guest House Orsini (pilgrim accommodation) — Welcoming guesthouse in the heart of the historic center, 50 meters from Corso Garibaldi and 100 meters from the cathedral. Suitable for pilgrims seeking simple, affordable accommodation.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Naples International Airport (Capodichino) is the nearest major airport, approximately 50 kilometers away. Air Campania buses connect the airport to Benevento in about 70 minutes. Alternatively, take the train via Naples Centrale (approximately 2.5 hours total).
By Train: Benevento Railway Station is located northwest of the historic center, about a 15-minute walk from the cathedral. Direct Frecce trains from Rome Termini take approximately 2 hours. From Naples Centrale, regional trains take 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Bus: FlixBus operates services from Rome (approximately 3 hours). Air Campania runs buses from Naples every 2 hours on weekdays (approximately 2 hours).
By Car: From Rome, take the A1 motorway south to the A16, exit at Benevento (approximately 250 km, 2.5 hours). From Naples, take the A16 east and exit at Benevento (approximately 80 km, 1 hour). The historic center has limited traffic zones; park near the train station or at designated parking areas.
Local Transport: The cathedral, Santa Sofia, and the main pilgrimage sites are within walking distance of each other along Corso Garibaldi. Pietrelcina, Padre Pio's birthplace, is 12 kilometers south and can be reached by local bus or taxi.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
C. Bernard Ruffin. Padre Pio: The True Story — Comprehensive biography of the stigmatist saint, including details of his ordination at Benevento.
David Bershad & Caroline Mangone. The Christian Travelers Guide to Italy — Covers history, art, and architecture of Italian Christian heritage sites including Benevento.
Online Resources:
Longobards in Italy — Official UNESCO site with detailed information on Santa Sofia and Lombard heritage.
Padre Pio da Pietrelcina — Detailed account of Padre Pio's journey to the priesthood and ordination at Benevento.
🎥 Recommended Videos
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: Man of Hope and Healing — EWTN docudrama narrated by Joe Mantegna, covering Padre Pio's early life in Pietrelcina and ordination in Benevento. Free to watch on EWTN On Demand.
Benevento: Campania's Hidden Treasure — English-language documentary covering Benevento's historic center, monuments, and culture.
Benevento: Il Chiostro di Santa Sofia — Exploration of the UNESCO-listed Santa Sofia cloister and monastery, produced by Catholic spiritual television channel Telebene. In Italian.
I Segreti del Campanile del Duomo di Benevento — Drone and interior footage exploring the secrets of the cathedral's bell tower, with patronage from the Archdiocesan Office for Culture. In Italian.
🔗 Useful Links
Longobards in Italy — Official UNESCO serial site featuring Santa Sofia.
Archdiocese of Benevento — Official archdiocesan website.
Museo del Sannio — Museum housed in the Santa Sofia monastery complex.
Visit Benevento — Provincial tourism portal.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Pietrelcina (12 km) — Birthplace of Padre Pio, with his family home, baptismal church, and the sites where he first received the stigmata.
San Giovanni Rotondo (130 km) — The Capuchin friary where Padre Pio spent fifty years, with his tomb in the modern sanctuary designed by Renzo Piano.
Monte Sant'Angelo (150 km) — The Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, where the archangel appeared in 490 AD. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mercogliano (30 km) — The Sanctuary of Montevergine, one of Italy's most important Marian shrines, founded by Saint William of Vercelli in 1126.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Lord has made me a priest. I want to be a priest for you and for all." — Saint Padre Pio, Letters to His Spiritual Directors, c. 1910
