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The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi (Basilica Papale di San Francesco in Italian) is an Italian cathedral located in the city of Assisi. This cathedral is the head, or mother church, of the Franciscan Order (the Roman Catholic Order of the Friars Minor). The foundation stone of the Basilica was laid after the canonization of Saint Francis on July 16, 1228, by Pope Gregory IX. The Lower Church was completed in 1230, after which Saint Francis was buried in the cathedral.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a popular pilgrimage destination. This is since Saint Francis was known for his lifestyle of non-materialism and his treatment of all creatures as equal, including animals and the poor. The current Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, chose his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi consists of the Upper Church and the Lower Church, as well as a third level below, the Saint’s tomb, where the remains of Saint Francis are kept. The Upper Church’s interior is decorated in the Gothic style. Interior features include many frescoes from medieval painters such as Giotto di Bondone, Pietro Cavallini, Pietro Lorenzetti, and Cimabue, displaying a variety of Italian art from this period. Other decorative features include the Gothic doorway and ornate rose window, which has been called “the eye of the most beautiful church in the world.”

Following the destruction caused by two earthquakes that hit Italy on September 26, 1997, the Bascilica was closed for restoration for two years.

Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi Map

Facts about Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi

• The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
• The Basilica was consecrated in 1253, after the completion of the Upper Basilica.
• The church became a Papal Church in 1288.
• The church was designed by Brother Elias Bombadone of Cortona.
• The hill on which the church was constructed was once known as the “Hill of Hell,” but is now known as the “Hill of Paradise.”

Where is Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi?

The Basilica is located in Assisi, Italy, where Saint Francis was born and died. The city of Assisi is situated in central Italy in the region of Umbria, connected to major Italian cities including Rome via railway. The town itself is accessible on foot. The Basilica is located at a distance of just 13 km from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi – Umbria International Airport.

Best time to visit Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi

Spring and summer are the high season for travel in Italy. Tourists should avoid Italy in August, when most of the locals head out of town for a vacation, and many parts of town are closed.

Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi Hours

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi opens from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm on all days.The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi opens from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm on all days.

More on Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi

Nearby Attractions: Museo Missionario Indios, Holy Street – Roman Forums, Cittadella Ospitalità, and Oratorio dei Pellegrini.

Don’t miss Italy major attractions:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.

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Pompeii, Italy – If you want to travel back 2,000 years, come to Pompeii. This largest archeological site in Europe is where history resides. The well-preserved ruins of the once prosperous city are a testimony to the yesteryear glories and a window to the ancient ways of life in Italy. The charm of this heritage site lingers long after you have paid a visit.

History

Pompeii belonged to the ancient Greeks, who first settled here in the 8^th century B.C. However, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried the city under a thick sheet of volcanic ashes. The site was rediscovered by a delegation of archeologists in 1748 and found most parts of the city virtually intact. UNESCO designated Pompeii as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Things to Do in Pompeii

The premier archeological site is the place to get familiar with the ancient Italian way of living. It’s a rare visit to centuries-old homes, shops, temples, amphitheaters and more.

Do visit Mount Vesuvius, Europe’s only active volcano that invites you to hike and reach the 3,900-ft-high summit. The aerial view of the Bay of Naples from the summit is fascinating.

Nearby Attractions

When you have a happening city like Naples in close vicinity, then you are up for having some really good time hanging around. Enter Naples and you will have a number of famous destinations at your disposal such as the Naples National Archeological Museum, Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, Castel Nuovo, Royal Palace of Naples, Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, and Teatro di San Carlo (Royal Theatre of Saint Charles).

Where is Pompeii?

Pompeii is close to the Bay of Naples in the Province of Naples in South-western Italy.

How to Reach Pompeii?

 By Air – The Naples International Airport is the nearest one from Pompeii. It takes a half-an-hour drive from the airport to cover a distance of around 30 km.

 By Train – Circumvesuviana di Napoli is the nearest railway station from Pompeii, which is located at a distance of 25.5 km. The railway route connects Pompeii with Circumvesuviana and Sorrento.

 By Road – The Naples Metropolitan City is a mere 25.6 km from Pompeii and requires a half-an-hour drive from there. Pompeii is also well connected by road to some of the other major cities of the region.

Accommodations

There are several hotels near Pompeii to choose from. Pompeii Resort, Hotel Forum, Hotel Palma, and Hotel Maiuri take care of the needs of those who won’t mind shelling out more in return of luxury. Accommodations such as Hotel Iside, Hotel Diana, Hotel Degli Amici, Hotel Del Sole, Hotel Visagi, Hotel Giovanna, and Santa Caterina are the best options for the economy travelers to choose from.

Restaurants

Although there are very few restaurants near Pompeii, they do provide great food. The President and Ristorante Lucullus offer sumptuous Italian dishes and delicacies. If you want to try pizzas, head to Ristorante & Pizzeria da Gigino. The Melius, a gourmet deli, offers you plenty to choose from and satisfy your taste buds. Local delicacies such as Soppressata Cilentana (smoked salami from Cilento), Gragnano pasta, mozzarella di bufala, and Amalfi Coast marmalades are some of the best you can get in the country. If you head northwards to the city of Naples, more options open up.

Best Time to Visit

April to October is the best time to visit Pompeii as the weather remains quite pleasant during this period.

Things to Remember

Operating Hours

08:30 to 19:30 (April-October). No entry after 18:00

08:30 to 17:00 (November-March). No entry after 15:30

Entry Tickets

Adults – €11

EU citizens under 18 and over 65 years – Entry Free

Facts About Pompeii

• Pompeii was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• The city is spread over an area of 98 hectares.
• The ruins of Pompeii are the largest archeological site in Europe.
• This tourist destination attracts over 2.5 million visitors from around the world every year.
• As per the historians, the destroyer of Ancient Pompeii – Mount Vesuvius – has seen more than 50 eruptions over the centuries.
• The archeological excavations of Pompeii are still going on even after three centuries have passed since it was re-discovered.
• Find out facts about Italy here….

Image Credit: Kim Traynor

Don’t miss Italy major attractions:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.