The Basilica of St. Francis
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The Basilica of St. Francis
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Work started on the construction of the Basilica of St. Francis in the year 1228, just two years after the saint’s death. The site that at that time was known as the “Hill of Hell”, because wrongdoers were executed there, later became known as the “Hill of Heaven” due to the fact that it was where St. Francis’ mortal remains were to rest for centuries. The identity of the architect who designed the Basilica is unknown to this day, although it is generally thought that it could have been the Chief Minister of the Order, Brother Elia di Bombarone. Brother Elia’s well-known energy and enthusiasm, the commitment of local craftsmen and the active participation of the population of Assisi together made it possible to complete the lower Church in just two years. On the 25th May 1230, in fact, the body of the saint was transferred from its temporary burial place in the Church of St. George to the new Basilica. The speed with which building work was completed is surprising to this day, as such a feat would be extremely difficult to accomplish even given the highly advanced technical means currently available. The pink and white stone from Mount Subasio used to build the Church creates a special, highly artistic chromatic effect. The Church plan is double “T” shaped (the “Thau” that was so dear to Francis because it represented the cross).
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| The painting cycles
Inside the Basilica there is a true treasure chest of artistic works left by world-famous painters. Cimabue’s contributions date back to 1277: his works adorn the apse, the vault and other parts of the Upper Basilica, while his superb “Madonna with Child” can be seen in the Lower Basilica. Giotto painted here from the end of the thirteenth century through to the first thirty years of the following century, during which time he completed 28 beautiful panels in the Upper Basilica (illustrating the Legend of San Bonaventura), together with other details in the Lower Basilica (in the Cappella della Maddalena). Simone Martini worked from 1318 to 1339 in the Chapel of San Martino and in the right-hand section of the transept in the Lower Church; and during the first half of the 14th century another famous artist, Pietro Lorenzetti, worked on the left-hand side of the same transept. Of course, all these great painters were aided and assisted in their work by their own pupils. Other minor artists also worked on embellishing the Basilica during various periods of history.
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