Assisi: audio files part 2

BASILICA OF SAINT FRANCIS

The basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built into the side of a hill and comprises the Upper Church, Lower Church, and a crypt where the remains of Saint Francis are. The Upper and Lower Churches are decorated with frescoes by medieval important painters such as Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti.

The façade of the Upper Church has a portal in Gothic style with twin doors and a beautiful rose window.

The interior is an important example of the Gothic style in Italy. The most important decorations are the series of 28 frescoes ascribed to the young Giotto.

The frescoes tell the story of the life of Saint Francis and were probably painted between 1296 and 1304.  

The Lower Church consists of a central nave with several side chapels with semi-circular arches which are connected by a low blue-painted ceiling decorated with golden stars. The nave is decorated with the oldest frescoes in the church.

 

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In the crypt there is the stone coffin of Saint Francis. This burial place of St. Francis was found only in 1818 because his remains were put in a secret place by a friar to prevent the spread of his relics in medieval Europe.

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