Basilica of Saint Francis

The Saint Francis Basilica in Assisi, Italy, is a grand Gothic structure. It is comprised of two churches, the Upper Church and Lower Church. The Lower one was constructed from 1228 to 1230 and the Upper, between 1230 and 1254. The decorative arched doors, ribbed ceiling vaults, pointed arches, heavily frescoed interior, stained glass windows, and flying buttresses of the basilica all signify the Gothic style of architecture, though it is actually more of a fusion of Romanesque and French Gothic. This structure helped to establish many of the characteristics of Italian Gothic architecture. Frescoes on the walls were painted by some of the most renown artists of the 13th and 14th centuries including Cimabue, Giotto, the Lorenzetti brothers, and Simone Martini.

Lower Church

Upper Church

                                           

  Saint Francis was born in Assisi in 1182 and formed the Franciscan Order of monks during his lifetime. The son of a wealthy merchant, he rejected his life of privilege and committed himself to a life of peace and poverty to devote himself to God. He spent a lot of time in a small cave on Subasio Mountain where a small monastery was eventually built. He is known for being the patron saint of animals and the environment due to his love of nature. He is often depicted outdoors with birds or other animals around him. Saint Francis was canonized in 1228, two years after his death. His basilica was begun that same year to commemorate his pious life and work. The basilica also houses Saint Francis’ tomb where his body still remains.

                           

Saint Francis

The actual crypt of Saint Francis displays quite a contrast to the rest of the basilica. It is very simple and plain, with no extra decoration or ornamentation. A modest stone archway marks the entrance to a neutral stone room, in the center of which stands a large stone tomb with Saint Francis' ancient stone coffin inside. A simple shrine is situated in front of the tomb. The natural and modest theme of the crypt reflects the personality and lifestyle of Saint Francis, rendering it a fitting resting place for his remains. 

Tomb of Saint Francis

 Another room in the Lower Church contains relics of Saint Francis including his habit (tunic), a white tunic that he used for special occasions, his slippers, a chalice and patten that were given to him by a friend, an ivory horn that was given to him in Egypt, a piece of leather that was used as a bandage for him, eleven silver coins that were found buried with him, the stone his head was resting on, and, finally, a tiny vial containing some ashes from his body. 

Relics: stone, silver coins,and vial of ashes

 The grandeur of the basilica and the value placed on the relics of Saint Francis demonstrate that death was not the end for him. His name continues to be revered and the place of his burial receives many visitors. 

• Beckwith, Barbara. "Francis Of Assisi." Priest 68.10 (2012): 18-23. Academic Search Complete. Web. 4 Nov. 2014
• "Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites."  UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO. Web. 5 Nov. 2014. <http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/990&gt.
• "Assisi and the Basilica of Saint Francis." Italia. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. <http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/unesco-world-heritage-sites/assisi-and-the-basilica-of-st-francis.html&gt.
• "Basilica of San Francesco D'Assisi." Basilica of San Francesco D'Assisi. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. http://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/b/Basilica_of_San_Francesco_d%27Assisi.htm&gt.