History: The town of San Giovanni Rotondo was founded in 1095 on the ruins of an existing village of the fourth century BC, this village are the visible signs, as some of the tombs and a circular baptistery (the epithet "Round" is derived from this) which was once for the worship of Janus-faced God, and was later dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
During the late Middle Ages, has always played important roles in the economic organization of the South, under the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, for example, has held the position to set the prices of merchandise sold in the kingdom has been here since September 4, 1916 September 23, 1968 lived al Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and died.
The history of San Giovanni Rotondo is interesting to recall an event that marked the rebirth of this country where 24 patriots were murdered at the hands of their own people stirred up by the Bourbons (October 1860). On October 14, 1920 San Giovanni Rotondo was the scene of a serious act of violence. It was the day of the settlement in the town hall against the Socialists, who won a popular-fascist coalition, called Arditi of Christ (1069 votes against 850) and for fear of riots were injected into the country 40 policemen and 82 soldiers. The tension arose because of the desire to expose the red flag from the balcony of City Hall which was opposed by fascists and Sero popular. Developed the fighting and the armed forces opened fire and the budget was 14 dead. Research has shown responsibility attributable to the fascists and popular.
Economy: Since its foundation until the first half of the twentieth century, the economy was mainly devoted to sheep farming and agriculture.
But the hospital foundation House for the Relief of Suffering, the country's economy has focused increasingly on the service sector, today, thanks to tourist developments around the icon of the saint from Pietrelcina, the city's economy is 95% focused on services.
Today the town of San Giovanni Rotondo, is one of more value both economically and religiously in Puglia.
