The majestic Chiesa di San Francesco (St Francis) stands to the south of Piazza Quaranta Martiri in the lower part of the city. It was built in 1255 but decorative work lasted for many decades, finishing in 1291.
The church is part of a large complex that was built on land owned by the Spadalonga family, since one of the exponents of this family, Giacomello, is said to have met Francis during his imprisonment in Perugia and maintained a friendship with him over a long period. Tradition has it that St Francis obtained refuge and protection in this very house at the beginning of the 13th century after leaving his father’s house and it was within these walls that he wore a habit for the first time.
Even today, some traces of the foundations of the ancient noble residence are still visible in the rooms of the sacristy.
Today the church has a monumental appearance, with an ogival plan and an unfinished facade with a large Gothic entrance portal, surmounted by a decorative rose window. At the end of the nave there are three polygonal apses, illuminated by single-lancet windows.
The inside of the building is equally surprising and very elegant. The space is divided into three naves, separated by fourteen octagonal pillars that support the cross vaults, the result of 18th-century restoration work.
As for the walls, there are exquisite frescoes in the three apses, with scenes of Marian life created by Ottaviano Nelli in the 15th century and other frescoes of significant artistic value, datable to the 13th-14th centuries, attributed to an anonymous local painter: Jesus enthroned with Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Francis and Saint Anthony on the sides and some episodes from the life of St Francis. In addition to the church, the area also houses a monastery complex that is certainly worth a visit. Devotees and visitors are allowed to admire the beautiful ‘Chiostro della Pace’, the ‘Sala Capitolare’ where the friars used to deliberate on the rules of community life, the ‘Refettorio’ which is now used as a Congress Hall, and the ‘Chiostro Maggiore’, currently not open to the public except during events or art exhibitions.