The Faithful, and tourists alike will be captivated by the wonders of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Tucked away from major tourist routes, it’s a hidden gem worth seeking out, and I’m certain you’ll be delighted! After years of exploring, I finally took the path and cherished every moment.
St. Francis ~ A Life of Humility
Imagine a young man, born into wealth, trading in fine clothes and wealth for a life of simplicity, prayer, and love for all creation. That’s the life of St. Francis, whose life inspires millions. Born around 1181, in the charming hilltop town of Assisi, Italy, he gave up a life of comfort for a life of sacrifice. A profound encounter with God changed everything. He renounced EVERYTHING to embrace poverty and dedicate himself to serving others.
The Basilica ~ Layers of Beauty
The Basilica of St. Francis is actually a complex of many layers in the interior. The Upper Basilica, Lower Basilica, the Crypt, the cloisters, and the sacristy. The basilica was begun in 1228, two years after the death of St. Francis, and completed in stages by 1253.
It’s the Mother Church of the Franciscan order and is a significant pilgrimage site. You will likely see Monks visiting and praying throughout the church and town.
The Grand Piazza
As you walk to the basilica, you will either walk through the paved courtyard or the beautiful large lawn and pathways. When I visited, there was a beautiful sculpture installation called the “Germination of Peace” featuring bronze olives. This installation, a collaboration between the Municipality and the Sacred Convent, includes 140 bronze olives ranging in size from 55 to 150 cm, including a monumental “mother olive”. It’s located in a symbolic area of Assisi and celebrates Franciscan values, peace, and brotherhood. The installation was created by artist Giuseppe Carta. The equestrian statue of St. Francis as a knight stands alone in the spacious lawn, symbolizing his early life.
The Upper Basilica
The Upper Basilica is used for major liturgical celebrations and is more ornate than the other levels of the church. A beautiful example of the Gothic style, it features a single nave with slender columns and a cross vaulted ceiling painted in brilliant blue with colorful, intricate borders surrounding saints and angels looking down upon you.At the entry of the Basilica, where the nave begins, is the Rose Window. At the end of the nave at the transept, sits the Main Altar. It’s surrounded by more frescoes of the masters and a large stained glass window that floods the interior with beautiful light. `
Along each side of the nave are beautiful frescoes in two layers. The lower level of the walls are adorned with 28 scenes depicting the life of St. Francis. These frescos were painted primarily by Giotto and the students of his school, while the upper layer of paintings includes scenes from the Old and New Testaments by artists such as Cimabue and ‘Crucifixion’ by Giotto.
The Lower Basilica
Unlike the Upper Basilica, which is clearly Gothic, the lower is Romanesque in style.
The Main Alter is directly above St. Francis in the crypt below. It’s simple with a focus on the relics.
It is used for smaller services and prayer, which some say draws you closer to St. Francis.
It has a darker, quieter, and intimate feel. Some say it reflects the Franciscan humility. Side chapels pay homage to St. Catherine and the Chapel of Nicholas. The central nave vault features the Four Allegories – Poverty, Chastity, Obedience, and the Triumph of St. Francis.
It has a darker, quieter, and intimate feel. Some say it reflects the Franciscan humility. Side chapels pay homage to St. Catherine and the Chapel of Nicholas.
The Tunic of St. Francis
Near the altar in the Lower Basilica lies the tunic and foot coverings worn by St. Francis. Not shoes in my book, but each made of a heavy worsted type wool. Being close enough to touch the garments is amazing. You will see the clothes’ simplicity and how he was committed to the common people, poverty, and those in need, as well as his love of nature, which held him to such high standards worldwide. Pope John Paul II proclaimed St. Francis of Assisi the patron saint of those who promote ecology, recognizing his profound reverence for creation as a reflection of God’s love.
Crypt of St. Francis
When I visited, the crypt was closed, with a simple rope across the entrance, it was closed to private prayer. As I stopped to observe the area, I could hear the Monks chanting below, and it was beautiful to hear. It is the spiritual heart of the basilica, and you will observe that when you visit. When it re-opened, I stepped down into a cavern of spiritual love and respect. Pilgrims lined up for a moment near the Saint. Although I wasn’t a pilgrim, I did pray in his honor and for peace around us.
The crypt, or tomb, houses the stone sarcophagus containing St. Francis’s remains. It’s a simple circular chamber with a solemn and meditative atmosphere. Pilgrims and tourists of faith alike line up to get close and feel the Saint who lies there. The tomb was not always known; it was discovered and opened to the public in the 19th century.
The Courtyard and Cloisters
The cloister is the Sacro Convento, which is a Franciscan friary. It’s connected to parts of three buildings of the basilica. St. Francis wanted to be buried at this location outside of Assisi’s city walls, called ‘Hill of Hell’, where the gallows of the criminals sat to put them to death.
The Treasury and Gift Shop
The Sacristy and Treasury are located just off the Lower Basilica and store liturgical vestments and sacred vessels, frescoes, and relics of St. Francis.
The Basilica’s museum houses artifacts like medieval manuscripts and items donated to the Franciscan order, including the Chalice and Paten on St. Francis.
Earthquakes and Restoration
In 1997, the basilica experienced two earthquakes, which caused damage to both the basilica and the death of Franciscans who were inspecting the damage. Two sections of the Upper Basilica ceiling collapsed, and damage to famous frescoes by Cimabue was just some of the destruction not only in the church but also in the town and the area. Extensive restoration was performed, and the basilica was reinforced and frescoes repaired where possible.
After the Treasury and past the cloisters, you enter the lovely gift shop that features everything Francis, including the Tau Cross. I’ve written about the different Christian Crosses on this site. The Christian Tau Cross is a sign of faith with the Poor Man from Assisi, St. Francis. The Tau first appears in the Old Testament of Ezekiel. You’ll find them everywhere, and I purchased several types as gifts and a gold one for myself in a jewelry store.
~The Nitty Gritty
🍺 THIRSTY STOPS:
- A Casa di Bacco Wine Bar – A short walk is this nice wine bar serving drinks and light eats.
- Francesco Coffee & Gift Shop – Serving all types of drinks
- Il Bar DiRocco e Cra Cra – A local coffee bar with bistro tables outside.
🏰BEST SITES IN THE AREA:
- Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi – this link provides you will everything you will need to visit for pilgrims, tour and hours.
- Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva – 14th century church built in a 1st century Greek Temple!
- Roman Forum & Archaeological Museum – in Piazza del Comune.
- Chiesa Nuova di San Francesco – Historic Church built above the house where St. Francis once lived.
- Rocca Maggiore – The fortress above the town with beautiful views and a small museum.
🍴 FOOD FINDS:
- Ristorante Bar San Francesco – Close to the Basilica is great stop for fresh pasteries or meal.
- La Terrazze di Properzio – A stunning view with great food!
- Nonna Nini – A lovely setting and great traditional cuisine
- Monei Frumentario – Pizzeria and Pasta Restaurant
🚗 GETTING THERE:
- By Car – SR147 towards Assisi
- By Train – From the Assisi Station in Santa maria degli Angeli take local bus 1 to the Hilltown of Assisi.
Parking lots are all around the town which is car-free. Easy parking and decent rates.
✈️ DESTINATION PREP:
- Trip Planning Sheets! Use my Planning Sheets – The PREFLIGHT PLANNER for a travel checklist and city-to-city planning. The DAILY PLANNER for daily city site and museum planning. I USE THEM!
- FOR TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: The US State Department Travel Site – ALL trips begin with safety in mind! This site is helpful to EVERYONE WORLDWIDE! I begin by looking at this site for all the latest Worldwide Country Info – Passports, Visa requirements, Travel Advisories
- Enroll in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) – Enrolling lets the State Department know where you are in an emergency and can help you home if needed.
