The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels stands in Santa Maria degli Angeli, at the foot of Assisi, and safeguards the famous Porziuncola, where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order. This majestic sanctuary, built between 1569 and 1679, blends Renaissance art and deep spirituality, drawing pilgrims from all over the world. Inside, in addition to the Porziuncola, you can visit the Chapel of the Transitus and the miraculous Rose Garden.
– The Porziuncola, the humble little church where it all began
– The Assisi Indulgence, the plenary indulgence granted by St. Francis
– The Chapel of the Transitus, the place of the saint’s death
– The Rose Garden with its thornless roses, a symbol of purity
Events nearby
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi houses the Porziuncola, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order. Among history, spirituality, and art, you’ll find the Assisi Indulgence, the Chapel of the Transitus, and the Rose Garden with thornless roses.
- https://www.porziuncola.org/
- Piazza della Porziuncola, Perugia (PG)
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Basilica Papale di Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola a Perugia
Good to know
Introduction
Below Assisi, in the Umbrian plain, stands the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels. It is not just a majestic church: it houses the Porziuncola, the small chapel where Saint Francis founded the Franciscan Order in 1209. Entering here means touching the origins of a movement that changed history. The atmosphere is intimate, despite the imposing dimensions. Light filters through the dome and illuminates the stone of the Porziuncola, creating a contrast between the simple and the grandiose. A place that speaks of poverty, faith, and miracles.
Historical Notes
The history begins with Saint Francis, who around 1209 received the Porziuncola, a small ruined church, as a gift from the Benedictines. Here he founded the Order, welcomed Clare in 1212, and obtained the Indulgence of the Forgiveness in 1216. To protect these places, Pope Pius V had the basilica built (1569-1679). Earthquakes in 1832 caused severe damage; reopening was in 1840. The current façade, in Baroque style, was inaugurated in 1930.
- 1209: Founding of the Franciscan Order at the Porziuncola.
- 1216: Indulgence of the Porziuncola (Forgiveness of Assisi).
- 1226: Death of Francis in the Chapel of the Transit.
- 1569-1679: Construction of the basilica.
- 1832: Earthquake severely damages the basilica.
- 1840: Reopening after restoration by Luigi Poletti.
- 1930: Inauguration of the façade by Cesare Bazzani.
The Porziuncola and the Pardon of Assisi
In the heart of the basilica, enclosed like a jewel, lies the Porziuncola: a simple, austere stone chapel from Mount Subasio. Here Francis experienced the plenary indulgence known as the Pardon of Assisi, granted by Pope Honorius III in 1216. Even today, one can obtain the indulgence by visiting the Porziuncola with a repentant heart. Inside, the altarpiece by Prete Ilario da Viterbo (1393) depicts the Annunciation and the miracles of the Pardon. On the rear façade, a fragment of a fresco by Perugino shows the Crucifixion with Francis kneeling. A blend of art and spirituality.
The Rose Garden and the Thornless Roses
From the right transept, you enter a peaceful corner: the Rose Garden of Saint Francis. Tradition has it that Francis, fleeing a temptation, threw himself among the brambles and the thorns miraculously disappeared. Today, the Rosa Canina Assisiensis grows here, a naturally thornless variety. Nearby, the Chapel of the Rose Garden (1518) houses the remains of the pulpit from which Francis proclaimed the Indulgence of the Forgiveness. The fragrance and silence make this garden a must-see, perfect for reflection.
Why Visit
1. A journey to the origins of Franciscanism. It all began here: from the Porziuncola to the Chapel of the Transit, every place tells the story of Francis and Clare. 2. Hidden artistic treasures. In addition to the Porziuncola, the Porziuncola Museum preserves masterpieces such as the crucifix by Giunta Pisano (1236) and a glazed terracotta by Andrea della Robbia. Don’t miss the sacristy with its wooden choir and the statue of St. Francis in prayer. A concentration of art and faith that enriches the visit.
When to Go
The basilica is open all year round, but the most evocative time is early morning, when light streams through the facade and illuminates the Porziuncola. The silence is broken only by the friars’ chants. If you can, choose August 2, the Feast of the Pardon of Assisi: the basilica fills with pilgrims and the atmosphere is intense. In autumn, the colors of the Umbrian plains offer a picture-perfect backdrop. Avoid the midday hours of the summer months, when the heat is strong and crowds are heavier.
Nearby
A few minutes away, don’t miss Assisi with the Basilica of St. Francis (UNESCO World Heritage) and its medieval streets. For a dip into nature, the Wood of St. Francis offers trails immersed in greenery, perfect for a walk after the visit. If you love hiking, the Franciscan Path passes here, connecting Assisi to La Verna. Combining history, nature, and spirituality, the area offers you unique experiences.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Few people know that the city of Los Angeles takes its name from the Porziuncola. Spanish missionaries named their settlement ‘El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de la Porciúncula de Asís,’ thus linking the Californian city to this corner of Umbria. Furthermore, the gilded bronze statue on the façade, a work by Guglielmo Colasanti, cast in Florence, has watched over the Umbrian plain since 1930.