Basilica of St Francis of Assisi

The Basilica of St Francis is the majestic basilica dedicated to this famous saint. It was built soon after his death, in 1226. The dominant feature, and what makes the complex so unique, is that it consists of two overlapping churches, shielded by a double row of high arches on the Sacred Convent, protecting the basilica on the valley side. Inside, there are spectacular frescoes by students of Giotto, Cimabue and Simone Martini in the Lower Church, as well as frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto themselves in the Upper Church. The earthquake of 1997 heavily damaged the Upper Church, destroying two frescoes; but in 1999 much of what was lost was recovered thanks to a long, delicate restoration process.