On the highest part of the village of Bevagna, 225 metres (700 feet) above sea level, sits the Church of S. Francesco. It was built in 1275 on the grounds of an oratory previously built in honour of Saint John the Baptist. The complex also includes a convent.
The building can be reached after climbing a steep staircase, due to the findings it is believed that a Roman temple might have stood there before the church.
The original exterior reflects the typically frugal Franciscan style. The entrance is a clustered portal enriched by capitals and floral decorations, while the lavish insides pose a clear clear contrast with the humble outsides. The first underwent heavy restoration in 1756. The church has one nave and to lateral chapels, namely the Chapel of Gisberto Ciccoli and the one dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto, probably designed by the architect Galeazzo Alessi.
The church is famous for holding the stone on which Francis stood during his Sermon to the Birds in the village of Pian d’Arca. According to the legend, his celestial voice and delicate manners enchanted the small animals so much that they all diligently stood in front of the saint listening to his words.
The stone is kept in the chapel next to the altar inside of a protective grid.
A special mention shall be made also for the paintings of Dono Doni (1500- 1575), a Pietà by his follower Ascensidonio Spacca called Il Fantino (1560-1646) and the “Immacolata, Trinità e Santi” also by Spacca.
The vault of the dome of one of the chapels embellished by maiolica is particularly beautiful.