Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
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How it came to be
Assisi grew on the terraces of the Roman town of Asisium. Francis, born here in 1182, founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1208 and died in 1226.
Pope Gregory IX canonised Francis on 16 July 1228, and the basilica's foundation stone was laid the next day. The Lower Church was finished in 1230, when Francis's remains were moved in, and both churches were consecrated in 1253.
Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti covered the walls with frescoes; the cycle attributed to Giotto tells Francis's life in 28 scenes. On 26 September 1997 an earthquake brought down part of a vault, killing two friars and two specialists.
Travellers who came here
- 1786-10
He walked up to the town to see the Augustan temple of Minerva he knew from Palladio, leaving the churches where Saint Francis lies on his left, with aversion.
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