Although the city of San Giovanni Rotondo and its Sanctuary have very deep ancient roots, they are inevitably linked to the presence and works of Saint Pius of Pietralcina, known to most as Padre Pio. The huge new shrine was inaugurated before more than thirty thousand people on 1 July 2004. The new shrine, designed in a contemporary style by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, is one of the largest churches in Italy in terms of size with its 6000 m² (capable of holding 7000 people with a large safety margin). It is decorated with beautiful mosaics and it also houses a huge organ with 5,814 pipes.