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.
Opening hours
The church opens from Monday to Sunday: from 7.00 am - 12.00 pm and from 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm. Holy Masses: from Monday to Saturday at 7.30 am and 6.30 pm; on Sunday and public holidays: at 7.30 am - 10.00 am - 11.15 am and 6.30 pm. Visits are not allowed during celebrations.
Tickets and admission
Free entrance.
