Perugia

Church of St. Francis in Perugia

In Perugia, the Church of St. Francis (Chiesa di San Francesco al Prato) appeared in the 13th century, thanks to the Franciscan monks. It should be noted that the neighboring city of Assisi was the birthplace of St. Francis and there is a religious building of the same name with many frescoes, including the work of Giotto.

There is a legend that the inhabitants of Perugia wanted to steal the body of Francis from their neighbors and bury the saint on his land, so that he would become the heavenly patron of the city, but the undertaking failed. One of his disciples managed to bury the saint in a secret place, but Perugia was not left without patrons. It is believed that saints Lavrentiy, Constantius and Herculafle watch over her.

Construction and history

It is assumed that the construction in Perugia of a church dedicated to St. Francis began in 1253. The religious building was erected behind the old Etruscan wall of the city, but soon (in the 14th century) it turned out to be in the center of Perugia.
Initially, the building was not very stable. To solve the problem of possible collapse, at the end of the 14th century 4 chapels were built here. But this did not save the situation much.
Only in the 15th century, and more precisely in 1421, when the city was ruled by the lord Braccio da Montone, who also ruled Rome at one time, buttresses were built here, finally increasing the stability of the walls.

Artwork in the interior

The best time for the church of St. Francis in Perugia was the 15-16th century. In the 15th century, for example, the Gonfalon Chapel appeared here (the so-called medieval square banner, from below, usually decorated with ribbons). The church kept a gonfalon, which depicted the Madonna of Merciful. Wrote her Benedetto Bonfigli (Benedetto Bonfigli). This gonfalon, as legend has it, helped Perugia during epidemics and other difficult times. Now the canvas is transferred to the chapel of St. Bernardine (Oratorio di San Bernardino).

Also, due to the emergency condition of the church building, other significant works of art were also taken from it. For example, in the Vatican Pinakothek are the “Resurrection of Christ” by Perugino.

The Coronation of the Virgin Mary by the famous Raffaello Santi went there too. Another work of the same author - "Descent from the Cross" - moved to the Borghese Gallery in Rome. In the Louvre you can see "The Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine," authored by Domenico Alfani.

Current state

The facade of the church of St. Francis, which was in poor condition for quite some time, was reconstructed at the beginning of the 20th century. True, during the repair of 1926, several chapels were lost. In particular, the gonfalon chapel disappeared.
The building, like the Francis Church in Assisi, was badly damaged during the 1997 earthquake. You can see the church now only from the outside. But for visitors is available, located next to the chapel of St. Bernardine.

Watch the video: Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Assisi, Perugia, Umbria, Italy, Europe (April 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Perugia, Next Article

Calendar of festivals and carnivals of Italy in January
Holidays in Italy

Calendar of festivals and carnivals of Italy in January

It is difficult to imagine Italy in the winter without holidays, festivals and festivals. Everyone knows that the inhabitants of the Apennine Peninsula love, and most importantly, know how to have fun, to infect everyone around with a perky mood, to organize competitions, but not only to identify the best, but just to have fun. From year to year, many festivals are held in the land of sun and wine, dedicated to different topics, music, people and different cultures.
Read More
Italian etiquette for Russian tourists
Holidays in Italy

Italian etiquette for Russian tourists

The owner of a hotel in Italy shot a video in which he teaches rich Russians how to avoid being rude and rude while relaxing in Tuscan luxury resorts. The summer tourist season has come, and Italians are trying to convey to rich Russian tourists a simple thought: "Maybe you have money, but there are no manners."
Read More
What to do in Italy? 17 free ideas
Holidays in Italy

What to do in Italy? 17 free ideas

Are you going to Italy and thinking about how to diversify your trip and make it unforgettable? We are ready to offer you seventeen ideas that will cheer you up in the beautiful country of wine and sun and keep your wallet intact. Drink water from the lion’s head. Public drinking fountains in Italy are by no means uncommon.
Read More
How to organize a winter holiday in Italy with children skiing?
Holidays in Italy

How to organize a winter holiday in Italy with children skiing?

Ski slopes, steep slopes and hotels for every taste - all this you will find in the Superski Dolomites, the largest ski region in the world. This year there was an opportunity to relax on a winter vacation in the mountains inexpensively. Everyone knows that December is the time of preparation for Christmas and New Year. The time for choosing gifts for loved ones, decorating your own homes, meeting friends to exchange greetings, and walking around the Christmas markets.
Read More