Basilica di San Francesco: Pilgrimage to Assisi’s Masterpiece of Gothic Frescoes & Franciscan Devotion

Photos of Basilica di San Francesco

Rising above the Umbrian town of Assisi, the Basilica di San Francesco comprises an Upper and Lower Church linked by chapels, crypt, and refectory—together forming a spiritual complex where art and devotion converge. Pilgrims descend limestone steps into the shadowy Lower Church, then ascend through candlelit naves to the luminous Upper Church, where Giotto’s vivid frescoes transform walls into a “Biblia pauperum,” illustrating Francis’s embrace of poverty, miracles, and Canticle of the Creatures.

What to Expect

Begin in the Lower Church—admire Cimabue’s early Franciscycle frescoes in semi-Byzantine style and visit the crypt housing Saint Francis’s simple tomb. Move upstairs through the arched corridor to the Upper Church’s soaring ribbed vaults. Here, Giotto’s panels unfold in vibrant narrative: the sermon to the birds, Francis before Sultan, and the saint’s ecstatic receiving of the stigmata. Pause in the presbytery to view the stained-glass rose window and the Cappella di San Martino’s detailed Marian frescoes before exiting through the cloister into the peaceful Franciscan monastery garden.

Background and Cultural Context

Commissioned by Pope Gregory IX just two years after Francis’s canonization, the basilica unified early Gothic architecture with Franciscan ideals of humility and itinerant preaching. Over the 13th–14th centuries, artists from Giotto’s workshop, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti enriched its walls, forging a new pictorial language that shaped Renaissance art. As the mother church of the Franciscan Order, it remains a living center for pilgrimage, Franciscan scholarship, and interfaith dialogue.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (9–11 AM) outside July/August offer cooler light through the Upper Church’s clerestory and fewer visitors. Early afternoons (2–4 PM) bring soft illumination on frescoes without glare. October 4 (Saint Francis’s feast) draws pilgrims for the blessing of the animals—arrive at least an hour early. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) showcase Assisi’s flowering terraces and mild weather for combining the basilica visit with Monte Subasio hikes.

How to Get There

The basilica stands at Piazza San Francesco, 2, Assisi. From Assisi’s train/bus station (1 km), take local bus “S” or a 12-minute uphill walk via Via San Francesco. Regional buses from Perugia or Spello stop at Piazza Matteotti—then walk through the medieval Rocca gate. Limited drop-off parking is available near the Lower Church. The Lower Church is wheelchair-accessible via ramp; the Upper Church requires navigating a short internal staircase.

Photo Opportunities

• Wide view of the twin-church façade perched on the hillside at sunrise
• Giotto’s “Stigmata of Saint Francis” panel illuminated by morning light
• Crypt’s simple stone sarcophagus beneath flickering votive candles
• Cloister garden’s shaded loggia with Franciscan friars in contemplation
• Rose window’s patterned light casting colored fragments on the Upper Church floor

Travel Tips

• Maintain silence and reverence—no flash photography or guided group chatter inside the churches.
• Pick up the free English brochure at the entrance for detailed fresco descriptions and artist attributions.
• Wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees to enter sacred spaces.
• Combine with a visit to the nearby Basilica of Santa Chiara and the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage on Monte Subasio.
• Allow 1.5–2 hours to absorb both churches, the crypt, and the cloister without rushing.

FAQs

Is admission required?
No—entry to both Upper and Lower Churches is free; donations support restoration and Franciscan ministries.

Are guided tours available?
Yes—hourly free guided tours by Franciscan volunteers depart from the Lower Church entrance; private tours can be arranged via the basilica office.

Can I attend Mass?
Daily Masses are held in the Lower Church at 7 AM and in the Upper Church at 10 AM; visitors are welcome to join.

Final Thoughts

The Basilica di San Francesco stands as a living testament to Saint Francis’s transformative vision—where artistic innovation and humble devotion coalesce in the heart of Assisi. Whether you come for pilgrimage, art history, or quiet reflection, this sacred complex offers a profound encounter with faith’s enduring power and beauty.