BASILICA SANTA MARIA DEGLI ANGELI

One of the most beautiful Italian sanctuaries, where Saint Francis loved withdrawing to meditate; The Franciscan order lives there. The immense basilica Sainte-Marie des Anges in its present form, topped by a beautiful dome and a golden statue of the Virgin, was built between 1569 and 1679. Several earthquakes have, however, resulted in significant restorations, particularly following the violent earthquake in 1997. The interior, in the form of a Latin cross, consists of three neves, five chapels, as well as several frescoes and statues dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Portioncle, cradle of the Franciscan order. All in the center, as in a case, is the modest Porziuncola chapel (Portioncule) that Saint Francis and his first restored disciples restored. The Porziuncola was once known for the appearance of angels. The saint was strongly attached to this small chapel of 4 meters out of 9, as long as he wished to be transferred there when he felt his close end (infirm and half blind). Armed citizens watched him until his death in 1226.

Since then, every August 2 during the «forgiveness of Assisi», pilgrims from around the world come to the small chapel of Portioncle to ask God the gift of indulgence for their sins.

Outside the basilica, in the heart of a roserla, you will find a small chapel where the frescoes decorate it in 1538 by Tibério of Assisi, pupil of Perugino.