The most prominent church in Assisi is the Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi (Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi). Located on a high hill, it is easily seen from the valley below. The view from the basilica to the valley is also stunning.
However, as you approach the basilica through town, this is the facade you first see.
Construction of the basilica began immediately after Francis’ canonization in 1228. The land donated for the basilica was previously known as “Hill of Hell” and was where criminals were put to death. Today, this hill is called “Hill of Paradise”. (WikiPedia)
As you approach the basilica, there are lots of great views.
The interior is beautiful. I took to photos before I saw the sign that indicated “No Photos”.
You can see in the image of the ceiling above that some of the frescos are damaged, likely due to earthquake activity in years past (not from the recent series of earthquakes 50-80 miles away).
There is an interior courtyard that we passed through on our way to mass. Note the potted olive tree.
Back outside, there are more details to enjoy.
Note in the rosette below that each spoke is of a different design. It appears that no two are alike. But then, I could never make two alike if I tried. (OK, I would have ended up with a large pile of marble dust.)
In the courtyard, the wall lined with arches also contained several relief sculptures.
Francesco va dal papa per avere la certezza di vivere il vangelo – Francis goes by the pope to have the certainty to live the gospel
Francesco, speranza di pace – Francis, hope for peace
la vocazione e missione Francescana vivere e annunziare il vangelo – the vocation and Franciscan mission to live and proclaim the Gospel
il lavoro dell’uomo – the work of man
la verita – the truth
liberta – freedom
Madonna
And so, with a final look over our shoulder, we say goodbye to the Basilica of St. Francis.
Mark
All your pictures are so beautiful & in detail you explain them very well.I’m learning so much from your trip Mark.Thank you.
Thank you, Eleanor. I wanted to give some context to the photos rather than just post another pretty picture from Italy. I hope that I’m not going over the top with the number of photos and amount of text. I’m doing it for my own benefit as much as for anyone else. Thanks for tagging along.