Schio:
Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita
Schio : Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita
Step into the spiritual heart of Schio, one of northern Italy’s most meaningful pilgrimage destinations and the home of the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita. This reflective walking experience offers a powerful blend of faith, history, and inspiration, centered on the life of a saint who transformed suffering into profound holiness and hope.
As you walk through Schio’s sacred spaces, you will explore sites connected to Saint Bakhita’s legacy, learn about her journey from slavery to sainthood, and experience the peaceful atmosphere that draws pilgrims from around the world. Whether you are on a spiritual pilgrimage or seeking deeper insight into Italy’s Christian heritage, this journey through Schio will touch your heart and strengthen your faith.
Perfect for pilgrims, faith travelers, and history enthusiasts, this experience invites you to reflect, pray, and connect with the enduring message of freedom, forgiveness, and divine love embodied by Saint Josephine Bakhita.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita in Schio, a sacred place dedicated to one of the most beloved modern saints and a powerful symbol of freedom, forgiveness, and Christian hope.
Learn about the inspiring life of Saint Josephine Bakhita, from her suffering in slavery to her journey of faith, religious vocation, and canonization as a saint of compassion and dignity.
Spend quiet time in prayer and reflection at the shrine, where pilgrims from around the world seek strength, healing, and spiritual renewal.
Explore the religious heritage of Schio, discovering churches and sacred spaces connected to the saint’s legacy and devotion.
Walk through the historic streets of Schio, where faith, community, and tradition blend with the beauty of northern Italy’s landscape.
Reflect on the universal message of human dignity, forgiveness, and God’s mercy, central to Saint Bakhita’s life and mission.
Experience moments of silence and contemplation, allowing the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine to deepen your spiritual journey.
Conclude your visit with a final prayer at the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, leaving inspired by her enduring example of faith, resilience, and love.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions
Licensed and experienced local tour guide
Guided visit to the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita
Time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual guidance
Small group experience for a peaceful and meaningful visit
Tour Exclusions
Personal expenses
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from Schio
Optional donations to the shrine
Any additional entrance fees not specified
Walking Distance : Approximately 1–1.5 km
Accessibility : Not wheelchair accessible (some areas may include steps or uneven paths)
Meeting Point
Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Schio.
Your guide will be waiting near the entrance to welcome you and begin the tour.
Please refer to the Google Maps location provided in your booking confirmation for exact directions.
Schio: Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita
Step into the sacred heart of Schio, a town deeply connected to the life and legacy of Saint Josephine Bakhita, one of the most beloved modern saints of the Catholic Church. This immersive walking tour invites pilgrims and visitors to encounter a powerful story of faith, freedom, forgiveness, and hope.
Your journey begins at the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a place of prayer and devotion honoring the Sudanese-born saint who transformed a life of slavery into a testimony of Christ’s love. As you explore the shrine, your guide will share the moving story of Bakhita’s early suffering, her conversion to Christianity, and her vocation as a Canossian Sister — a journey that led her to become a global symbol of human dignity and mercy.
Learn how Saint Bakhita’s unwavering faith, gentleness, and forgiveness continue to inspire people around the world, especially those seeking healing from trauma, injustice, and spiritual struggle. Discover the significance of her relics, devotional spaces, and the growing pilgrimage tradition connected to her life and canonization.
Continue through the historic streets of Schio, where faith and daily life have been intertwined for generations. Walk past traditional buildings and quiet squares that reflect the town’s deep Catholic heritage and its connection to religious communities that preserved Bakhita’s legacy.
Along the way, pause for moments of reflection and prayer, allowing the saint’s message of freedom, trust in God, and unconditional love to resonate personally. Your guide will highlight key spiritual themes of the tour, including forgiveness, resilience, and hope in the face of suffering.
The experience concludes at the shrine, offering time for personal prayer and contemplation. Whether you arrive as a pilgrim or a curious traveler, you will leave with a deeper understanding of Saint Josephine Bakhita’s extraordinary life, her enduring spiritual impact, and Schio’s role as a place of faith, healing, and renewal.
Schio: Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita
Nestled in the foothills of the Veneto region in northern Italy, the town of Schio is a place of quiet beauty and deep spiritual meaning. Known worldwide as the home of the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Schio draws pilgrims and visitors seeking inspiration from the life of a saint whose journey from slavery to sainthood stands as a powerful testimony to faith, forgiveness, and human dignity.
At the heart of this devotion is the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, dedicated to the Sudanese-born saint who lived in Italy as a Canossian Sister. The shrine preserves relics and devotional spaces connected to her life and mission, offering pilgrims a place for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Saint Bakhita’s message of hope continues to resonate deeply with those suffering from injustice, trauma, or displacement.
Saint Josephine Bakhita: From Slavery to Sainthood
Born in Sudan in 1869, Josephine Bakhita was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery, enduring years of profound suffering. Her life changed dramatically when she encountered Christianity after being brought to Italy. Through baptism, she discovered a God of love rather than fear, leading her to embrace religious life with the Canossian Sisters.
Renowned for her humility, gentleness, and radiant forgiveness, Sister Bakhita became a living witness to Christ’s mercy. Canonized in the year 2000 by Saint John Paul II, she is today venerated as the patron saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. Her life story continues to inspire Catholics and people of all backgrounds around the world.
The Shrine and Pilgrimage Experience
The Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita in Schio serves as a focal point for prayer and pilgrimage. Visitors can venerate her relics, learn about her spiritual journey, and reflect on themes of freedom, reconciliation, and trust in God. The shrine has become an important destination for those seeking healing, strength, and deeper faith.
Walking through Schio’s historic streets, pilgrims encounter a town shaped by Christian tradition and religious life. The peaceful surroundings invite contemplation, making Schio a meaningful stop for those exploring Italy’s spiritual heritage.
A Modern Pilgrimage of Hope
Unlike medieval pilgrimage routes, the journey to Schio represents a modern pilgrimage, rooted in contemporary faith and social conscience. Saint Bakhita’s story bridges history and the present, reminding visitors that holiness can emerge from suffering and that forgiveness has the power to transform lives.
Whether visiting for prayer, reflection, or historical discovery, Schio and the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita offer a profound spiritual experience — one that speaks to the heart, challenges the conscience, and renews hope through the enduring light of faith.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
- Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
- Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
- Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.
Plan Your Visit to Schio
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and experience Schio, a peaceful town in Italy’s Veneto region, renowned for the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita and its deep spiritual heritage.
Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on schedules and traffic conditions.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Airport Meet & Assist Services
For a seamless travel experience, consider Meet & Assist services available at major Italian airports, including Venice Marco Polo, Verona Valerio Catullo, and Milan Malpensa.
A dedicated airport assistant will greet you, help with luggage, check-in, and security procedures, ensuring a smooth start or end to your pilgrimage.
This service is especially helpful for first-time visitors to Italy, elderly pilgrims, families, or travelers seeking extra comfort.
Please note: Meet & Assist services operate exclusively within airport terminals.
By Air
Nearest Airports:
Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – ~90 km
Verona Valerio Catullo (VRN) – ~70 km
Milan Malpensa (MXP) – ~240 km
Approx. 1.5–2 hours by car or train from Venice or Verona.
From the airport, continue by train or rental car to Schio.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Schio Railway Station (Vicenza–Schio line)
From Venice Santa Lucia: ~1.5–2 hours (via Vicenza)
From Verona Porta Nuova: ~1.5 hours
From Vicenza: ~1 hour
Schio station is well connected and a short distance from the shrine area.
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Schio is easily accessible via the A4 motorway (Milan–Venice), exiting at Vicenza, then continuing north toward Schio.
From Venice: ~90 km (~1.5 hours)
From Verona: ~70 km (~1.25 hours)
Public and private parking is available near the town center and religious sites.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional buses connect Schio with Vicenza, Thiene, and surrounding towns.
Schedules vary by day and season—check timetables in advance.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Private transfers provide a comfortable, direct option from airports or nearby cities—ideal for small groups or pilgrims with luggage.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Schio’s historic center is compact and walkable.
The Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, churches, cafés, and local shops are easily reached on foot, creating a calm and reflective pilgrimage atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Schio
Choose accommodation close to the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the historic center, or nearby countryside.
Options include:
Boutique hotels
Family-run guesthouses
Comfortable B&Bs
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Experiences & Activities
Enhance your visit with spiritual and cultural experiences:
Guided visits to the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita
Day trips to Vicenza (UNESCO World Heritage city)
Pilgrimage routes and religious heritage tours across Veneto
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Prepare for your pilgrimage with practical travel items for comfort and convenience.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance
Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Schio in person, you can still bring home a meaningful symbol of faith.
Explore Catholic devotional items inspired by Saint Josephine Bakhita, her life of forgiveness, and Italy’s spiritual traditions.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and subject to change due to schedules, seasons, or provider updates. Always verify current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
For the easiest arrival, combine train travel to Vicenza with a local train or taxi to Schio—a perfect balance of comfort, flexibility, and scenic views.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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- List also other tours near the tour location ( Orvieto, Rome…etc )
Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Schio
We are seeking licensed tour guides to collaborate with us in sharing the faith, life story, and spiritual legacy of Saint Josephine Bakhita in Schio. This is a unique opportunity to guide pilgrims and visitors through one of northern Italy’s most meaningful religious destinations.
If you lead tours at the Shrine of Saint Josephine Bakhita, local churches, historical sites connected to her devotion, or offer faith-based walking tours through Schio and the Veneto region, we would love to hear from you.
Join us in helping travelers discover the message of hope, forgiveness, and Christian witness that Saint Josephine Bakhita continues to inspire around the world.
📩 Contact us today to collaborate.
Partner with Us
We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.