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Basilica of San Francesco
The basilica began in the 13th century as a Romanesque church and over the next two centuries was extended into a large Gothic church, in the Piazza San Francesco, at the northeast end of the historic centre. The most valuable works are in the eight chapels of the transept, beside the main chapel. In the first chapel on the left is a fresco Maestà by Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio, from before 1396. In the second are two frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, from 1335-1340, detached from the convent's chapter house. In the fourth, Pietro Lorenzetti painted a Crucifixion around 1336-1337. Also notable are a Virgin and Child by Andrea Vanni, from 1398, darkened by the fire of 1655, the marble funerary monument of Cristoforo Felici by Urbano da Cortona (1463), and a bas-relief of the Assumption by Giovanni d'Agostino, from around 1340.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Basilica of San Francesco: 4 missions
- See the Gothic basilica from Piazza San FrancescoStand in the square that gives the basilica its name and frame the Gothic mass of the church from outside.
- Look for Pietro Lorenzetti's CrucifixionIn the fourth chapel of the transept, find the Crucifixion painted by Pietro Lorenzetti around 1336-1337.
- Discover the Assumption bas-reliefLook for the marble relief of the Assumption, by Giovanni d'Agostino from around 1340, and notice how it is carved.
- Find Ambrogio Lorenzetti's frescoesGo to the second chapel and look at the two frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, detached from the convent's chapter house.
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Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need for Basilica of San Francesco?
Allow about 45 min for the visit.