Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi

Welcome to the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world and a cornerstone of European art history. As we stand before this grand structure, it is essential to…

As you enter the Lower Basilica through the magnificent Renaissance portico added in the 15th century, you will immediately notice the change in atmosphere. The space is dark, low-ceilinged, and dominated by massive Romanesque…

Descending into the heart of the Lower Basilica, we reach the spiritual center of the entire complex: the Tomb of Saint Francis. For centuries, the exact location of the saint’s body was a secret. …

Leaving the dim solemnity of the Lower Church, we ascend to the Upper Basilica, and the contrast is breathtaking. This is the first Gothic church in Italy, characterized by its soaring heights, slender columns, and vast expanses…

The true glory of the Upper Basilica lies in the lower walls of the nave, where Giotto and his school painted a cycle of 28 frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis. This is one of the most important cycles in the history of…

Before moving back toward the entrance, look up at the transept and the choir, where the great master Cimabue began his work in 1277. Cimabue was the teacher of Giotto, and his work represents the final, dramatic flourish of the…

Adjoining the Basilica is the Sacro Convento, the sprawling monastery that has housed the Franciscan friars for eight centuries. From the lower piazza, you can see the massive arches that support the entire structure, which…

As you step back out into the bright light of the lower piazza, take a moment to look back at the entire complex. The Basilica of San Francesco is more than just a magnificent building; it is a 'universal spiritual message' cast…