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Church of St Francis in Sutri: founded by the saint in 1222, reopened after the bombings
The Church of San Francesco stands in the Piazza of the same name, in the historic centre of Sutri. Founded in 1222 by St Francis himself, it was originally dedicated to Archangel St Michael. It retains a clearly recognisable Romanesque layout, a bell gable, and an eventful history, spanning from passing saints to bombardments.
St Anthony of Padua and the lost convent
The church had an adjoining convent, now demolished. St Anthony of Padua lived here for a year during his pilgrimages across Italy, serving as a master of novices. Thus two saints are linked to the same place — Francis as founder, Anthony as resident.
From bombs to restoration
The bombings of the Second World War caused severe structural damage. The church remained closed for decades. Restoration work brought it back to the general public, maintaining its Romanesque layout — the ribbed cross vault, the timber framework of the central nave, and the high altar — along with 16th-century additions, including the bell gable. The 17th-century painting depicting St Francis of Paola (Calabria) is no longer here, having been moved to the Museo del Patrimonium in Sutri.
