We finally managed to tear ourselves away from Viesta beach……

Once we were back on the road, we visited the Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel.  At first it seemed like no one was there, but we followed the signs and staircases until we reached the church, it was literally built into a cave!

The Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel

As if on cue, Mass began just as we walked in.

We continued to San Giovanni Rotando, the city where St. Pio lived (Padre Pio).

Shrine of St. Pio (Padre Pio) San Giovanni Rotondo

St. Pio is one of our mother’s favorite saints.  It was inspiring to see where St. Pio, who greatly loved God, lived and worked.  After visiting the chapel and the hospital he opened, we took the long upwards hike to the Easter memorial across from the chapel.  The hike left us breathless, but the amazing views made the effort worthwhile! We decided to celebrate our accomplishment and all the burnt calories by getting chocolate drumsticks. That afternoon we drove back to Rome.  We parked our car and took the subway to our favorite spots.

Subway

It was nice to spend another night at the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Rome is definitely my favorite city!