Basilica of San Francesco, Siena
The Basilica of San Francesco in Siena is a significant religious and architectural landmark. Originally erected around 1228-1255, this church was initially designed in the Romanesque style but was substantially enlarged and transformed into a Gothic structure during the 14th and 15th centuries. This transition reflects the needs of the Mendicant Orders for which the church was built, requiring ample space to accommodate large congregations. The basilica follows an Egyptian Cross plan with a broad nave and transept.
Despite its historical and artistic significance, the interior of the Basilica of San Francesco appears relatively sober today. This is largely due to a fire in 1655 and a substantial restoration between 1885 and 1892, which led to the removal of many Baroque altars. However, efforts have been made to return some of the artworks that were once removed.
The fa莽ade of the basilica is neo-Gothic, a result of early 20th-century renovations, and is flanked by a campanile dating back to 1763. Previous medieval decorations and a 15th-century portal were removed during these updates.
Inside, the counterfa莽ade holds significant historical pieces including two 14th-century sepulchers and large frescoes originally from Siena's city gates鈥擯orta Romana and Porta Pispini. These include the "Coronation of the Virgin" by Sassetta and Sano di Pietro (1447-1450) and a "Nativity" by Il Sodoma (1531).
The basilica also houses an impressive collection of artworks by notable Italian artists. Among these are the "Madonna with Child and Saints" by Jacopo Zucchi, "Crucifixion" by Pietro Lorenzetti, and a fresco by his brother Ambrogio. Other remarkable works include the "Prayer of Saint James" by Giuseppe Nicola Nasini, "Martyrdom of Saint Martina" by Pietro da Cortona, and a "Madonna with Child" fresco by Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio.
A notable sculpture in the right transept is a 14th-century marble depiction of Saint Francis, salvaged from the church's ancient fa莽ade. This piece not only contributes to the historical depth of the basilica but also ties the building鈥檚 past architectural elements with its present form.
Despite its historical and artistic significance, the interior of the Basilica of San Francesco appears relatively sober today. This is largely due to a fire in 1655 and a substantial restoration between 1885 and 1892, which led to the removal of many Baroque altars. However, efforts have been made to return some of the artworks that were once removed.
The fa莽ade of the basilica is neo-Gothic, a result of early 20th-century renovations, and is flanked by a campanile dating back to 1763. Previous medieval decorations and a 15th-century portal were removed during these updates.
Inside, the counterfa莽ade holds significant historical pieces including two 14th-century sepulchers and large frescoes originally from Siena's city gates鈥擯orta Romana and Porta Pispini. These include the "Coronation of the Virgin" by Sassetta and Sano di Pietro (1447-1450) and a "Nativity" by Il Sodoma (1531).
The basilica also houses an impressive collection of artworks by notable Italian artists. Among these are the "Madonna with Child and Saints" by Jacopo Zucchi, "Crucifixion" by Pietro Lorenzetti, and a fresco by his brother Ambrogio. Other remarkable works include the "Prayer of Saint James" by Giuseppe Nicola Nasini, "Martyrdom of Saint Martina" by Pietro da Cortona, and a "Madonna with Child" fresco by Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio.
A notable sculpture in the right transept is a 14th-century marble depiction of Saint Francis, salvaged from the church's ancient fa莽ade. This piece not only contributes to the historical depth of the basilica but also ties the building鈥檚 past architectural elements with its present form.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Siena. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Basilica of San Francesco on Map
Sight Name: Basilica of San Francesco
Sight Location: Siena, Italy (See walking tours in Siena)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Siena, Italy (See walking tours in Siena)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Siena, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Siena
Creating your own self-guided walk in Siena is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Siena's Palaces Walking Tour
A leisurely stroll through downtown Siena 鈥� a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of imperious castles, palaces and other historic buildings 鈥� promises an exciting day of discovery and a pleasant experience for architecture buffs.
While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Medieval Siena Walking Tour
Siena is a beautiful medieval city whose Gothic-era identity, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries, has been successfully preserved due to the centuries of political and economic irrelevance in the shadow of its grander neighbor Florence. Today's Siena is a cultural gold mine and ideal place to revel in medieval Italy.
No tour of Siena is complete without visiting its heart, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
No tour of Siena is complete without visiting its heart, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Siena Old Town Walking Tour
Siena was originally settled by Etruscans of Italy and later settled by Romans, who emulated Etruscan culture and named the city Sena Julia. The Lombard Kings then developed the city. By the 12th century, Siena was self-governing.
Siena established the Council of Nine in 1270. This Council was responsible for a flourishing economy, a focus on art, and a building boom. In 1348, Siena was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Siena established the Council of Nine in 1270. This Council was responsible for a flourishing economy, a focus on art, and a building boom. In 1348, Siena was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles