The Basilica of St Francis

Introduction

The Basilica of St Francis rises imposingly in the homonymous square and over the city walls, an eloquent sign of the spiritual greatness of the Poverello of Assisi. The Church was built in the early fourteenth century and was altered and expanded a number of times as a result of the generous contribution of Siena’s inhabitants, who have strong bonds with the new Order that settled in town after Saint Francis’ visit. This is where St. Bernardino of Siena lived and preached at the beginning of the fifteenth century, and the Oratory adjacent to the Basilica is dedicated to him. The Eucharistic Miracle of the Sacred Hosts, which have not deteriorated since 1730, is still perpetuated in our days in a chapel of the transept, and a small Franciscan community still lives in the friary today.