Church of St. Francesco

Visible from blocks away, the Church of St. Francesco, also known as Basilica di San Francesco is the crowning glory of the region.

Basilica di San Francesco

About the Church

The Church of St, Franceso is not just one sinigular building, but actually a complex comprising of two churches. Built in the 13th-century, the individual buildings are named Gothic Basilica Superiore, and the older Basilica Inferiore.

The Basilica Superiore

The Basilica Superiore, also known as the Upper Church section of St. Francesco, was created in 1253. Being most famous for being the homeplace for the country’s most beloved artworks- the 28 frescoes portraying the life of St Francis. Visitors can visit these vibrant pieces of art by starting on the right wall closest to the altar and heading clockwise around the building. The masterpiece’s creators are still up to debate to this day, with many believing the frescoes were created by the young Giotto. Whereas others claiming that due to the stylistic inconsistencies in the range of frescoes, there were actually a series of artists creating the piece together.

From outside the upper church, stairs lead down to the Romanesque Basilica Inferiore and yet more glorious works of art. Almost every inch of the vaulted, dimly lit church, constructed between 1228 and 1230, is adorned with frescoes by Giotto and fellow Sienese and Florentine masters Cimabue, Lorenzetti and Martini. Among the works to look out for are four vault frescoes (aka vele or ‘sails’) above the main altar. Attributed to Giotto and collaborators, including the mysterious Maestro delle Velle, these depict The Glory of St Francis and the Allegories of the Franciscan Virtues (poverty, chastity and obedience).

Basilica Inferiore

Also known as the lower section of Basilica di San Francesco, the Basilica Inferiore is the older of the two sections. Commissioned by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, the building construction began only two years after St Francis’ passing. Its interior is mesmerising, a dimly lit room with the only light coming from the stained-glass windows, with the works of master 13th century craftmanship featured about the building. Frescoes also are found in this section of the church, with some created by Giotto as well as the skillful artists Cimabue, Lorenzetti and Martini. If you head to the main altar of the building you can see the four vault frescos. Which showcase the Maestro delle Velle, depicting the Glory of St Francis and the Allegories of the Franciscan Virtues.

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