History of the Basilica

The Basilica of S.Francesco in Assisi was commissioned by Pope Gregory IX who in 1228, just two years after the saint's death, ordered its construction on the site of his burial.

It was S.

Francesco to indicate the place where he was to be buried: the lower hill of the city, called "hill of hell" because it was the place where capital executions and burials of people were carried out on the margins of society.

On this hill, which was renamed "hill of paradise", the church was built as a pilgrimage destination for all Christians.

The site was on a steep slope, so that for the construction of the basilica, it was necessary to build on three levels.

In addition to the crypt, two superimposed churches were built: the lower basilica and the upper basilica.

The Lower one has Romanesque forms and appears on the whole lower and less luminous.

The Upper one is in Gothic style and is taller and brighter.

The consecration of the basilica took place in 1253.