Basilica di San Francesco
The Basilica di San Francesco, along with a monastery of the Order of Friars Minor, sits on a large campus overlooking the modern city of Assisi and the Umbrian valley. It is on the opposite side of the walled, ancient town of Assisi from the Basilica di Santa Chiara. St. Francis died at only 44 years old in 1226, and just two years later his friend, Pope Gregory IX named him a Saint, and placed the first stone for the Basilica in his honor in July 1228.
Saint Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 to wealthy, noble parents, and was raised according to that tradition. In 1202 the city of Assisi battled the city of Perugia, and as a young noble, Francis fought for his city and lands. He was captured during battle, and imprisoned in Perugia for a year. The terrible conditions of prison made him very sick and weak. After being ransomed by his father, he returned home to recover, but his conversion to a more devout Christian faith had begun. He joined another warring group in 1204 to fight in Puglia, but due to a mysterious vision, he returned to Assisi.
In 1205, Francis was praying before the Byzantine-painted wooden cross in his favorite, dilapidated church of San Damiano. He saw the lips of Christ in the Crucifix move, and he heard a voice say, “Francis, you see that my house is falling down; go and repair it for me.” And the future saint replied, “Willingly, Lord.”
In 1206, Francis gave up his paternal wealth and began to live-out the call of Christ by restoring the structures of the San Damiano church, the church of Saint Peter of the Spina, and the Porziuncola. By 1209, he had a small following of brothers and his “short rule” was given verbal approval by Pope Innocent III. After years of global growth Saint Francis established the “Regola Bollata” for the Order of Friars Minor, which was officially approved on November 29, 1223, by Pope Onorius III. The original document of the Rule is visible in the Upper Church of the Basilica of San Francesco. The Upper Church is also covered in beautiful, bright frescoes depicting the biblical Salvation history by the artist Cimabue. The history of Saint Francis’s life and the formation of his Order is also depicted in beautiful frescoes, possibly painted by Giotto, or maybe the “Roman painting school”. Scholars are still debating the creator of these magnificent images.
The Lower Church was built as “Phase One” of overall construction of the Basilica. The building began in 1228, and was completed in 1230. The body of Saint Francis was moved to the lower church soon after its completion. The Upper Church construction was started immediately thereafter, and was completed in 1253. The Basilica di San Francesco has held a special place in the hearts of pilgrims and history lovers for centuries. In 2006, it was elevated to the status of Papal Basilica.
There is so much history and beauty to see in the Basilica of San Francesco. Prepare to spend at least a whole morning or complete afternoon experiencing the campus. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Basilica, and there is vigilant surveillance to ensure that tourists do not sneak pictures. Pilgrims are able to participate in prayers with the Friars; attend any of the scheduled Masses; and seek the Sacrament of Confession. The Basilica also welcomes choral groups and other large groups of pilgrims.
My family and I loved the architecture and terrain of the old city of Assisi. We stayed at the Assisium Boutique Hotel in the heart of the Old city, an easy walk to the Basilica di San Francesco, but far enough away that we could enjoy the charm of the city itself. The breakfast at the hotel was divine! We loved the breads, fruit, cakes, coffee and all of the trimmings. The staff was super friendly and helpful. They arranged for private taxis for us to get down the mountain to the modern city of Assisi where the train station is located. They also helped us get a taxi to go up the steep hill to enjoy the Castello Rocca Maggiore. As a frequent traveler to Italy and Italian churches, I cannot recommend more highly a visit to Assisi!
