Casa natale di San Francesco (Birthplace of St. Francis), Assisi

This is believed to be the original site where the future Saint Francis of Assisi was born on July 5, 1182. Legend has it that his birthplace was once a stable, housing oxen and donkeys, where his mother sought refuge to give birth. The inscription above the pointed arch entry attests to this history, with the property being transformed into an oratory and first documented in 1286.

The fa莽ade is dominated by a Romanesque arch, with a Gothic entry portal. Stepping inside this place of worship, especially after visiting the larger churches bustling with tourists, one immediately notices the humble, minimalist interior: simple benches along the walls and traces of 13th-14th century frescoes above the raised altar.

Outside, in a charming, intimate square, stands a modern bronze sculpture depicting Francesco's parents: his father, Pietro di Bernardone dei Moriconi, and his French mother, Pica de Bourlemont. Overlooking the square is the imposing 17th-century Chiesa Nuova (New Church) with a grand Renaissance-style fa莽ade. This church was erected in 1615 on the presumed site of Saint Francis's paternal home.

Inside the church, near the first pillar on the left, visitors can see the room where Francesco's father, a prosperous silk merchant, allegedly chained his young rebellious son in an attempt to dissuade him from a life of penitence and devotion to the poor, hoping to steer him back to the family trade. Ultimately, Francesco was released by his mother, who understood her son's calling to higher values.

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Sight Name: Casa natale di San Francesco (Birthplace of St. Francis)
Sight Location: Assisi, Italy (See walking tours in Assisi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

St. Francis' Assisi Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Assisi, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Assisi

Creating your own self-guided walk in Assisi 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.

Assisi Introduction Walking Tour

Assisi is located on the western slope of Mount Subasio. It is 1,300 feet above sea level, overlooking the rivers Topino and Chiasicio. It is a walled city with narrow, twisting streets and alleys. It originally was known as Assisium. Successively Umbrian, Etruscan and Roman, it became a Ghibelline commune in the 11th century.

There were clashes with Guelph Perugia. In the battle of... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

St. Francis' Assisi Walking Tour

A holy city for Christians, Assisi has been an eternal destination of pilgrimage since the 13th century for those venerating Saint Francis and wanting to the see where he was born, worked, died and was buried. As the birthplace of one of Catholicism鈥檚 most revered saints (and one of Italy's two saintly patrons), Assisi holds religion very close to its heart.

The entire city-sanctuary 鈥�... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

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