Visiting the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi means immersing yourself in one of Italy’s most important religious and artistic complexes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it comprises the Upper Basilica, bright and Gothic, and the Lower Basilica, Romanesque and intimate, which houses the saint’s tomb. The fresco cycles by Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, and Lorenzetti are unmissable. Here are the highlights:
– Giotto’s Cycle in the Upper Basilica: 28 frescoes on the life of St. Francis, a masterpiece of Gothic painting
– Cimabue’s Frescoes in the transept, including the Crucifixion and the Stories of the Apocalypse
– Tomb of St. Francis in the crypt of the Lower Basilica, a place of silence and prayer
– Chapel of St. Martin with frescoes by Simone Martini and the Magdalene Chapel by Giotto
Events nearby
A pilgrimage destination and UNESCO masterpiece, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi houses frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue and the tomb of Italy’s patron saint.
- Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco, Perugia (PG)
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- View on Google Images Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi a Perugia
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Introduction
Entering the Basilica of Saint Francis feels like stepping into two different worlds. On one side, the Lower Basilica, dark and intimate, with low arches that invite silence and prayer. On the other, the Upper Basilica, flooded with Gothic light, with stained glass and frescoes that seem to soar. It’s a powerful contrast, designed to tell the dual soul of Francis: earthly suffering and heavenly joy. Walking through the nave, you feel part of a story that goes beyond faith. It’s art, it’s architecture, it’s pure emotion. And then, at the end, there’s the tomb: a simple stone sarcophagus, there for centuries, destination of millions of pilgrims. You don’t have to be a believer to be left breathless.
Introduction
Entering the Basilica of Saint Francis feels like stepping into two different worlds. On one side, the Lower Basilica, dark and intimate, with low arches that invite silence and prayer. On the other, the Upper Basilica, flooded with Gothic light, with stained glass and frescoes that seem to soar. It’s a powerful contrast, designed to tell the dual soul of Francis: earthly suffering and heavenly joy. Walking through the nave, you feel part of a story that goes beyond faith. It’s art, it’s architecture, it’s pure emotion. And then, at the end, there’s the tomb: a simple stone sarcophagus, there for centuries, destination of millions of pilgrims. You don’t have to be a believer to be left breathless.
Historical Notes
It all began in 1228, immediately after the canonization of Francis. Pope Gregory IX wanted the basilica on Hell’s Hill – a place of executions – later renamed Heaven’s Hill. The Lower Basilica was completed in 1230, when the Saint’s body was transferred there. The Upper Basilica was consecrated in 1253 by Innocent IV. Since then, the complex has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000) and the heart of the Franciscan order. In 1997, an earthquake severely damaged the frescoes of the Upper Basilica, which were later restored. A small curiosity: in 1997, an attack on the portal was foiled by a citizen. Today, the basilica welcomes millions of visitors each year, including pilgrims and art lovers.
Historical Notes
It all began in 1228, immediately after the canonization of Francis. Pope Gregory IX wanted the basilica on Hell’s Hill – a place of executions – later renamed Heaven’s Hill. The Lower Basilica was completed in 1230, when the Saint’s body was transferred there. The Upper Basilica was consecrated in 1253 by Innocent IV. Since then, the complex has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000) and the heart of the Franciscan order. In 1997, an earthquake severely damaged the frescoes of the Upper Basilica, which were later restored. A small curiosity: in 1997, an attack on the portal was foiled by a citizen. Today, the basilica welcomes millions of visitors each year, including pilgrims and art lovers.
The Upper Basilica and the Masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue
As you climb the stairs, you enter an explosion of light and color. The Upper Basilica has a single nave, with cross vaults and large Gothic stained-glass windows. Here, in the nave, Giotto and his school painted 28 scenes from the life of Saint Francis, inspired by Bonaventure’s Legenda Maior. They are vivid stories: the cloak given to the poor, the nativity scene at Greccio, the sermon to the birds. For the first time, painting tells a story with naturalness and psychological depth. In the transept, however, Cimabue dominates: his Crucifixion is dramatic, almost theatrical. His monumental figures mark the transition from Byzantine rigidity to a new realism. A fascinating contrast between two giants of art.
The Upper Basilica and the Masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue
As you climb the stairs, you enter an explosion of light and color. The Upper Basilica has a single nave, with cross vaults and large Gothic stained-glass windows. Here, in the nave, Giotto and his school painted 28 scenes from the life of Saint Francis, inspired by Bonaventure’s Legenda Maior. They are vivid stories: the cloak given to the poor, the nativity scene at Greccio, the sermon to the birds. For the first time, painting tells a story with naturalness and psychological depth. In the transept, however, Cimabue dominates: his Crucifixion is dramatic, almost theatrical. His monumental figures mark the transition from Byzantine rigidity to a new realism. A fascinating contrast between two giants of art.
The Lower Basilica and the Saint’s Tomb
Descending into the Lower Basilica is an intimate experience. The entrance is to the side, and immediately you are enveloped by low vaults and a dim light that invites reflection. The walls are a triumph of frescoes: the Maestro di San Francesco, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti. The Cappella di San Martino is a gem by Martini, with brilliant colors. But the heart is the crypt, where a simple stone sarcophagus holds the remains of Francis. No frills: only silence and devotion. It is here that millions of pilgrims stop to pray every year. Around, the allegories of the Franciscan Virtues painted by Giotto remind of the message of humility and poverty. A place that touches the soul.
The Lower Basilica and the Saint’s Tomb
Descending into the Lower Basilica is an intimate experience. The entrance is to the side, and immediately you are enveloped by low vaults and a dim light that invites reflection. The walls are a triumph of frescoes: the Maestro di San Francesco, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti. The Cappella di San Martino is a gem by Martini, with brilliant colors. But the heart is the crypt, where a simple stone sarcophagus holds the remains of Francis. No frills: only silence and devotion. It is here that millions of pilgrims stop to pray every year. Around, the allegories of the Franciscan Virtues painted by Giotto remind of the message of humility and poverty. A place that touches the soul.
Why Visit It
Two reasons above all. First: art. Here you’ll find the best of 13th- and 14th-century Italian art: Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, Lorenzetti. An open-air museum that tells the story of the birth of modern painting. Second: the spiritual atmosphere. Even if you’re not religious, the silence of the crypt and the light of the upper church will make you reflect. It’s a place that invites calm, far from the chaos. Plus, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and the view from the square over the Umbrian Valley is spectacular, especially at sunset. In short, a winning mix of art, history, and inner peace.
Why Visit It
Two reasons above all. First: art. Here you’ll find the best of 13th- and 14th-century Italian art: Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, Lorenzetti. An open-air museum that tells the story of the birth of modern painting. Second: the spiritual atmosphere. Even if you’re not religious, the silence of the crypt and the light of the upper church will make you reflect. It’s a place that invites calm, far from the chaos. Plus, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and the view from the square over the Umbrian Valley is spectacular, especially at sunset. In short, a winning mix of art, history, and inner peace.
When to go
The best time? Early in the morning, right after opening, or in the late afternoon. The light filtering through the stained glass windows of the Upper Basilica is warmer and less intense, and the frescoes seem to come to life. Plus, there are fewer crowds: you can enjoy the silence of the crypt without being jostled. If possible, avoid weekends and major pilgrimage periods (like the Feast of St. Francis on October 4). Winter is quieter, but the light is lower. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and soft light on the Umbrian hills.
When to go
The best time? Early in the morning, right after opening, or in the late afternoon. The light filtering through the stained glass windows of the Upper Basilica is warmer and less intense, and the frescoes seem to come to life. Plus, there are fewer crowds: you can enjoy the silence of the crypt without being jostled. If possible, avoid weekends and major pilgrimage periods (like the Feast of St. Francis on October 4). Winter is quieter, but the light is lower. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and soft light on the Umbrian hills.
Nearby
Just steps from the basilica, don’t miss the Rocca Maggiore, a medieval fortress that dominates Assisi. From there the view over the valley is breathtaking. If you have time, also visit the Church of Santa Chiara, with its characteristic arches and the crypt that holds the saint’s remains. For a dive into nature, Monte Subasio offers trails through woods and meadows, ideal for a walk after so much art. And then, of course, the historic center of Assisi: cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and excellent Umbrian cuisine. You don’t need to go far to experience the authentic atmosphere.
Nearby
Just steps from the basilica, don’t miss the Rocca Maggiore, a medieval fortress that dominates Assisi. From there the view over the valley is breathtaking. If you have time, also visit the Church of Santa Chiara, with its characteristic arches and the crypt that holds the saint’s remains. For a dive into nature, Monte Subasio offers trails through woods and meadows, ideal for a walk after so much art. And then, of course, the historic center of Assisi: cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and excellent Umbrian cuisine. You don’t need to go far to experience the authentic atmosphere.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Little known is that the hill on which the Basilica stands was once called ‘Hill of Hell’ because it was the site of capital executions. St. Francis chose this very location for his burial, transforming it into a symbol of redemption. Furthermore, during the 1997 earthquake, the vault of the Upper Basilica collapsed, destroying part of the frescoes; the subsequent restoration, lasting years, allowed for the recovery of fragments and the rediscovery of hidden artistic details.