Chiesa Nuova

Standing here at the entrance of the Chiesa Nuova, or the 'New Church,' you are standing at the threshold of a story that is both deeply personal and universally significant. Built in 1615, this Renaissance-style church is 'new'…

The facade of the Chiesa Nuova is a refined example of late Renaissance architecture, characterized by its clean lines and classical proportions. It stands in stark contrast to the older, more rugged Romanesque buildings of…

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Chiesa Nuova is that it incorporates parts of the original Bernardone house. If you move toward the area that would have been the ground floor, you can see the traditional site of Pietro…

Perhaps the most emotionally evocative part of the Chiesa Nuova is the small, dark room known as the 'Carcer' or the prison. According to tradition, this was a storage closet or a small cell under the stairs where Pietro di…

The interior of the Chiesa Nuova, though not as famous as the Basilica of San Francesco, contains a wealth of art that illustrates the legacy of the saint and the Baroque period in which the church was built. The Greek cross plan…

Just outside the church, in the small piazza, you will find a touching bronze sculpture of Francis’s parents, Pietro di Bernardone and Madonna Pica. This monument is a relatively modern addition, but it serves a crucial narrative…

The Chiesa Nuova is not just a church; it is part of a larger complex that includes a Franciscan monastery. The small portico and the surrounding buildings have been the home of friars for centuries, continuing the mission of…

As we conclude our visit to the Chiesa Nuova, let us reflect on the transformation that took place on this very ground. This was the site of Francis’s 'first life'—the life of a wealthy merchant’s son, full of potential for…