The magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most revered sites in Christianity and an architectural and artistic masterpiece. Located in the picturesque town of Assisi in Umbria, the basilica is dedicated to Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order, known for his life of poverty, humility and love for all creatures. The Basilica is composed of two overlapping churches, the Lower Basilica and the Upper Basilica, both filled with priceless works of art and profound spirituality.
Construction of the Basilica of Saint Francis began in 1228, immediately after the canonization of Saint Francis, at the behest of Pope Gregory IX. The basilica was completed in a relatively short time: the Lower Basilica was consecrated in 1230, while the Upper Basilica was finished and consecrated in 1253.
The entrance to the Lower Basilica is through a portal decorated with intricate Gothic motifs. The interior is characterized by a secluded and spiritual atmosphere, with a series of richly frescoed side chapels. The frescoes of the Lower Basilica are attributed to great artists such as Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini, and illustrate scenes from the life of Christ, the Madonna and Saint Francis.
One of the most important points of the Lower Basilica is the crypt, which houses the tomb of Saint Francis. The tomb is a pilgrimage destination for millions of faithful from all over the world, who come to pay homage to the saint and pray at his tomb.
The Upper Basilica, built in Gothic style, is known for its brightness and its large stained glass windows that flood the interior with light. The single nave is decorated with one of the most famous fresco cycles in the history of art, attributed to Giotto and his school. These frescoes narrate the life of St. Francis in a series of 28 scenes, from his encounter with the leper to his sermon to the birds, up to his death.
Giotto's frescoes are considered a milestone in Western art, marking the transition from Byzantine Mannerism to naturalistic and human representation. Each scene is characterized by extraordinary vivacity and emotional depth, making the story of the saint accessible and touching for all visitors.
Adjacent to the Basilica is the Sacro Convento, a monastic complex that houses a community of Franciscan friars. The cloister of the convent is a place of great serenity, with its well-kept garden and colonnade that offers a place of reflection and prayer. The convent also houses a library and an archive that preserve manuscripts and documents of inestimable historical and spiritual value.
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is much more than just a historical monument; it is a place of profound spirituality and devotion. The basilica was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, recognizing its universal value as a symbol of faith and art.
Every year, the basilica welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists who come to pay homage to Saint Francis, to pray at his tomb and to immerse themselves in the beauty of the works of art that adorn its walls. The basilica is also a place of liturgical celebrations and cultural events, which help keep alive the memory and legacy of the saint of Assisi.
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Wished by Pope Gregory IX as a specialis ecclesia, it was awarded by the same Pontiff the title of Caput et Mater of the Order of Friars Minor and at the same time entrusted in perpetuity to the same friars. It is part of the non-extraterritorial properties of the Holy See, therefore it does not enjoy diplomatic immunity. In the complex history that marked the evolution of the Order, the basilica (and the annexed Sacred Convent) was always looked after by the so-called "friars of the community", the group that later went on to form the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.
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The splendid Basilic of St. Francis of Assisi – La splendide basilique de San Francesco d’Assisi – La espléndida basílica de San Francisco de Asís – A esplêndida basílica de San Francesco d’Assisi – Die prächtige Basilika San Francesco d’Assisi – Vương cung thánh đường lộng lẫy San Francesco d’Assisi
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