A powerfully affecting site for believers and art-lovers alike, the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the crowning jewel of the town’s UNESCO heritage-listed Franciscan structures. Immense in scale and ambitious in design, the basilica can be seen from miles around and boasts glorious views into the valleys surrounding the town of Assisi. Spend an afternoon exploring the churches, gardens, piazzas and the crypt that houses the elaborate tomb of St. Francis.
The basilica complex is divided into a lower church, the Basilica Inferiore, which was constructed immediately after St. Francis’ canonization in 1228, and an upper church, the Basilica Superiore, which was built between 1230 and 1253. The architecture is a synthesis of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Spend time walking through the piazzas and gardens around the basilica to take in the impressive array of architectural styles on display.
Enter the Basilica Superiore to discover a splendidly decorated interior that stands in stark contrast to its plain façade. Here you will find one of Italy’s most famous works of art, a series of frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis.
From outside the upper church, take the stairs down to the dimly lit Basilica Inferiore. Look for frescoes painted by Cimabue and other Florentine masters, which depict St. Francis’ life in parallel with that of Christ. See many ornately decorated side chapels, which exemplify changing artistic trends in Italy across the centuries.
Descend into the crypt to find the tomb of St. Francis. Built in the 19th century, after St. Francis’ remains were discovered, the tomb was originally made from marble in a neoclassical style before the tomb was reconstructed out of bare stone in neo-Romanesque style in the 20th century.
The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is open daily and there is no admission fee. The complex has its own information office opposite the entrance to the lower church where you can sign up for tours led by a resident Franciscan friar and conducted in English or Italian.
