The Gimmick
What in the following group doesn't belong?
AT&T. Verizon. Sprint. 10-10-123456789. Basilica di San Francesco.
It's actually a trick question. What does a Basilica have to do with phone companies? Not much, except that one way the Catholic Church is
raising
funds to restore the Basilica di San Francesco (or St. Francis Basilica, in English) is by selling calling cards with a picture of the Basilica on it.
Why Is This Basilica So Special?
As you stroll along the geranium-lined streets of Assisi, you realize you are walking in a town that has kept its roots in the Medieval era. You
pass
fountains on the way to the Basilica di San Francesco, the most notable landmark of the region.
The Basilica di San Francesco, built in memorial of St. Francis who is honored for chastity and obedience, is a reminder of time eight hundred
years
past, but is also place of pilgrimage and renewal for Christians who visit the shrine today.
The Construction of a Great Basilica
Almost eight hundred years ago in 1228, construction had only begun on the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi. The burial place for Saint
Francis
took nearly one hundred years to complete, and deserves a place on any itinerary of the Umbria region.
From the early 1200s to the early 1300s, the Upper and Lower Churches of the Basilica were built. The most respected artists of the day like
Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti painted some of the frescoes that adorn the Basilica. The frescoes represent the life of Saint
Francis and are some of the most famous in Italy.
The Upper Church
Gazing at the Upper Church, one is certain to notice the Basilica's facade, complete with a circular display of rose windows; a crucifix adorns
the roof. These serve as an example of the Italian Gothic style of the era.
Looking at the Upper Church's main entrance, the Basilica's balcony, complete with jagged railings, appear as a direct cross between a church and
a
medieval castle.
What is immediately striking upon entering the Upper Church of the Basilica is its streaming Gothic lines. These 'conehead'-shaped lines
symbolize the
life and glory of Saint Francis. Separating the lines are frescoes and painted medallions. This style of high ceilings with noticeable artistic lines
also influenced later Franciscan churches.
Below faded paintings by various Roman artists is one of the major frescoes you will see when you enter the Upper Church is one by Giotto called
'The Ecstasy of St. Francis.' It is one of 28 panels that will comprise the artist's 'Life of St. Francis,' which took him about five years to complete
between 1290 and 1295 CE.
The Lower Church
If you pass by the Upper Church's entrance and descend a large staircase, you will enter the Basilica through the Lower Church. The difference
between
the grandeur of the Upper Church and the more subtle architecture of the Lower Church is noticeable even in the entrances. The Lower Church's door is
smaller and it leads to a generally less ornate area.
The fresco in the Lower Church's chapel is by painter Simone Martini. He is known not only for the stained glass in the chapel, but for a fresco
commemorating the life of another religious Catholic figure, St. Martin. Martini's panel shows the 'Death of the Saint.'
Passing through the chapel, you may not even notice the painting of St. Francis by Cimabue. The Saint is painted simply, reflecting his humble
ways.
As you travel even further down in the Lower Church, you'll come to the crypt, which contains the tomb of St. Francis.
Above the crypt is the Treasury, which boasts one of the highlights of a trip to the Basilica. The frescoes by Lorenzetti, which focus on
Christ's
life and crucifixion, are popular among the Basilica's visitors.
The Basilica has been a mecca for pilgrims nearly since its opening. Even in the thirteenth century, side chapels were added in the Lower Church
to
accommodate the mass of pilgrims who traveled to the Basilica each year.
The Modern Day
On Septemeber 26, 1997, the town suffered when many of its landmarks were destroyed or damaged in an earthquake. While the Basilica was not
ruined,
its restoration will take years.
Before visiting the Basilica, call the tourist office to make sure the parts of the Basilica you would like to see are open.
This article was written by staff writer Karyn Dest. | | |
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