Churches and monuments
The Basilica of Saint Francio
The basilica complex is composed of two churches built one above the other, the lower one dating from 1228-1230 and upper one from 1230-1253 and a crypt dug in 1818 which houses the Saint's tomb. The Lower Basilica was decorated by the greatest painters of the 13 th and 14 th centuries: Cimabue, Giotto, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini. The stained glass windows are especially beautiful. The Upper Basilica is adorned by Giotto's frescos, illustrating the life of Saint Francis. There are also works by Cimabue, Cavallini and Torriti. The monastery houses a remarkable “Treasury” composed of rare illuminated manuscripts and the Perkins collection.
Piazza del Comune
The Roman Temple of Minerva (dating from the 1st century B.C.), the 13 th century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the Torre del Popolo, completed in 1305, and the Palazzo dei Priori (14th century), now house of the major.
The Roman Forum
It's located below piazza del Comune and encompasses the original Roman paving and the base of the temple of Mineva .
Chiesa Nuova
It was built in 1615 on the remains of a building believed to be the house of St. Francis' family. St. Francis was supposedly born the nearby Oratorio di San Francesco Piccolino.
The Basilica of ST. Claire
It's and example pf italian Gothic architecture. It was constructed between 1257-1265 and contains precious paintings dating from the 12 th – 14 th centuries and the famous Crucifix venerated by St. Francis at San Damiano. The body of St. Claire is preserved in the crypt. CONTINUE>>