San Francesco Church

In 1535 it was completely restructured together with the adjacent monastery. In 1798 it was adapted for military use, thus suffering a rapid decline until in 1828 the duke Francis IV had it restored, reopening it for worship.

The brick façade is vertically articulated by pillars dividing it into three parts, and horizontally by a cornice underscored by arches. On the sides are four ogival windows (the upper two are blind). The central part features a rose window and beneath the stone portal is a painting of Saint Francis blessing a brother.

In the interior the Deposition of Christ being lowered from the Cross can be admired, as well as a group of thirteen statues sculpted around 1523 by Begarelli.

The Fountain of St. Francis is found in the court which opens on the northern side of the church of the same name.

Rising from it is the bronze statue of St. Francis preaching to the fish, designed by the engineer Cavazzuti. The statue is the work of Giuseppe Graziosi and dates back to 1938.

The sixteenth century octagonal bell tower originally had a spire.

Museum of Sacred Art of the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi

Inside the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi, there is a small but fascinating Museum of Sacred Art. The collection includes a variety of painted ex-votos (offered as a gesture of gratitude for received blessings), Sacred Hearts of Jesus, reliquaries dating back to the 17th century, and many other objects used in liturgical practices over the centuries. Among the treasures housed in the museum, a unique rarity stands out: an autographed letter by Cardinal and Archbishop Carlo Borromeo (1538-1584), a prominent figure in religious history.

The museum can be visited with a freewill donation during the church's opening hours. Visitors can contact the sacristan to access the collection or take advantage of special open days and guided tours.

To book a guided tour, please write to: info@saveitalianbeauty.it

The church opens from Monday to Sunday: from 7.00 am - 12.00 pm and from 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm. Holy Masses: click here to check Holy Masses hours. Visits are not allowed during celebrations.

Free entrance.