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Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

Discover Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

Last updated on October 27, 2026

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Checked against Wikipedia — The church, which was one of the cornerstones of the diffusion of gothic in Italy, had multiple purposes. First of all it was the burial place of the founder of the order, who two years after his death was already considered one of the most significant figures in the history of Christianity: for this a dimension adequate to a goal of pilgrimage and popular devotion was arranged. A second order of interests was more strictly tied to the papacy, which after initial distrust now saw in the Franciscans allies for strengthening links with the humblest and most popular classes. For this reason in the basilica were fused requirements linked to the flows of pilgrims with the scheme of a palatine chapel -- the basilica was in fact a Cappella pontificia -- according to the most up-to-date gothic influences, such as the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris, where likewise two superimposed single-hall churches are present., When friar Elias became general of the Order in 1232 it was decided to build two superimposed churches, of far greater proportions, which would exalt the glory of the holy founder and of the Order itself. To the primitive layout another bay was added towards the east, the transept and the apse, while outside pillars and buttresses were built to bear the weight of the upper basilica; for the same reason the original trussed roof was redone with ribbed cross vaults. The double function of the building thus diverged: below, tomb church and crypt; above, monastic hall, space for preaching and papal chapel. The gothic turn in the architecture is plausibly linked to the rise of the Englishman Haymo of Faversham as general of the Order in 1241, who called transalpine workmen to the site. The result was a kind of "gothic cage" in which the ribbed skeleton of the upper basilica contrasts with the romanesque aspect of the external fronts, generating discontinuity but also the marked originality of the building., Construction of the basilica was begun in 1228 by Gregory IX and it was consecrated on 25 May 1253 by pope Innocent IV. Beginning with Innocent IV the basilica was placed under the direct dependence of the pope. The names of the architects are not known, hypothetically indicated in the figures of friar Elias himself, of Lapo or Jacopo Tedesco (the latter cited by Vasari), of friar Giovanni della Penna or of friar Filippo da Campello. The lower basilica must have been complete by 1230, when the body of Saint Francis was solemnly transferred there and, according to tradition, the body was hidden to prevent its being stolen. Only in 1818 was it found again, entombed in a sarcophagus under the high altar. The remains came from the church of San Giorgio, later incorporated into the complex of the basilica of Santa Chiara., The basilica of Santa Chiara is an important place of worship in the historic centre of Assisi. The church was built, after the death of Saint Clare, between 1257 and 1265, around the ancient church of San Giorgio, which until 1230 had guarded the mortal remains of Saint Francis. The remains of the saint were translated as early as 1260, while the solemn consecration took place in 1265, in the presence of Clement IV. The construction works were carried out by the architect Filippo da Campello. The crypt which today houses the tomb of the saint was made only in 1850. Originally it was created to house the religious group of the Poor Clares, who lived in the church of San Damiano. (October 2026).

Discover Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

Architecture

The short history

How it was built and evolved over time

Frequently asked questions

Discover Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

Architecture

The short history

How it was built and evolved over time

Frequently asked questions

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