Basilica of St Francis of Assisi Tour

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• Assisi
• Italy

Basilica of St Francis of Assisi Tour

Discover one of the most significant religious and artistic landmarks in Italy with our Basilica of St Francis of Assisi Tour. This expertly guided experience takes you through the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering an in-depth exploration of its stunning architecture, breathtaking frescoes, and profound spiritual legacy.

Explore the Exterior of the Basilica of St Francis

Your tour begins outside the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, where your expert guide will introduce you to its majestic Romanesque and Gothic façade. As you admire the intricate details of the grand entrance and rose windows, you’ll learn about the construction of the 13th-century basilica, commissioned shortly after the canonization of St. Francis.

Standing on the vast terrace, you’ll take in panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside, an awe-inspiring setting that reflects the deep connection between St. Francis and nature. Your guide will share the fascinating history of how this sacred site became a major pilgrimage destination and why it remains one of the most revered Christian landmarks in the world.

The Upper Basilica – Giotto’s Masterpieces and the Life of St. Francis

Stepping inside the Upper Basilica, you’ll be immediately captivated by its soaring Gothic arches, luminous stained glass windows, and vibrant frescoes. Your guide will lead you through the basilica’s artistic treasures, focusing on the world-famous fresco cycle by Giotto, which illustrates the life and miracles of St. Francis.

As you gaze at these stunning frescoes, your guide will explain how Giotto revolutionized Renaissance art, creating depth, emotion, and movement in storytelling like never before. You’ll uncover the symbolic meaning behind key frescoes, including:

• St. Francis Renouncing His Worldly Possessions – Depicting his commitment to a life of humility.
• The Sermon to the Birds – Illustrating his deep love for creation and nature.
• The Stigmatization of St. Francis – Portraying the mystical moment when he received the stigmata.

The Upper Basilica’s celestial atmosphere enhances the beauty of its artwork, making it a place of reflection and admiration for both pilgrims and art enthusiasts alike.

The Lower Basilica – A Sacred Space of Prayer and Masterpieces by Cimabue & Lorenzetti

Your Basilica of St Francis of Assisi Tour then takes you to the Lower Basilica, a darker, more intimate space designed for prayer and contemplation. Unlike the bright grandeur of the Upper Basilica, the Lower Basilica exudes a mystical and sacred ambiance, with richly colored frescoes covering its walls and vaulted ceilings.

Here, your guide will introduce you to the masterworks of Cimabue, Lorenzetti, and other early Renaissance artists, whose frescoes depict biblical scenes and Franciscan themes. You’ll explore:

• Cimabue’s Crucifixion – One of the earliest and most dramatic frescoes inside the basilica.
• Pietro Lorenzetti’s Passion Cycle – A deeply moving depiction of the suffering of Christ.
• Chapel of St. Martin – Adorned with frescoes by Simone Martini, narrating the life of St. Martin of Tours.

The rich colors and intricate details of these frescoes bring the history of Christianity and Franciscan spirituality to life.

The Tomb of St. Francis – A Pilgrimage to the Saint’s Final Resting Place

The journey concludes at the Tomb of St. Francis, located in the crypt beneath the Lower Basilica. This sacred space holds the remains of St. Francis, drawing countless pilgrims seeking inspiration from his life of poverty, humility, and devotion to God.

Your guide will explain the history of the tomb’s discovery in 1818 and the significance of this site as a symbol of peace and spirituality. Here, you’ll have time for quiet reflection and prayer, taking in the profound atmosphere of one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Italy.

Why Take the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi Tour?

• Expertly guided insights into the history, art, and spiritual legacy of the basilica.
• Exclusive exploration of both the Upper and Lower Basilica.
• Deep dive into Renaissance frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and Lorenzetti.
• Awe-inspiring moments of reflection at the Tomb of St. Francis.

Join us for a Basilica of St Francis of Assisi Tour and experience the breathtaking beauty, history, and spiritual significance of this world-famous sanctuary. Whether you’re a pilgrim, art lover, or history enthusiast, this tour will leave you with a deeper understanding of St. Francis’ legacy and the artistic wonders of medieval Italy.

Read the Itinerary tab above to learn in more detail of the Assisi Pilgrim tour places you will visit.

For those who wish to do this tour as a day trip from Rome, please contact us so we can offer you transportation advice and assistance.

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