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The Church and Convent of St Francis in Minturno: From Caetani Cult to Town Hall
The Church of San Francesco is located in the historic centre of Minturno, a short walk from the castle. Built in the Gothic style in the 13th century, it was originally a place of worship and burial for the Caetani family. Don Rodrigo Caetani commissioned its construction, along with a large convent, out of devotion to St Francis and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A convent that reinvented itself
For six centuries, the convent served as a centre of religious and charitable activity. Then Napoleon arrived and ordered the expulsion of religious orders, after which the building was used as a hospital from 1806 to 1858. In 1866, after being confiscated by the Italian government, the structure was converted into a town hall and prison. A rather unusual history for a Franciscan convent.
What to see inside and out
Of the original convent, the 14th-century cloister with its ogival arches — now partially walled up — and a 16th-century marble portal still survive. Inside the church, there is a fresco from 1378 depicting the "Madonna delle Grazie" (Our Lady of Grace), the main patron saint of Minturno.
