[2025 Assisi Attraction] Travel Guide for Chiesa Nuova (Updated Jan)

The New Church of Assisi, as the burial site of Saint Francis and the mother church of the Franciscan Order, is one of the pilgrimage destinations for Catholics. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2000. Saint Francis (Saint Francis of Assisi), Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), also known as Francis of Assisi, Saint Francisco. 'Francis' is an old translation, and today it is transliterated as 'Francesco' according to Italian pronunciation. Born into a wealthy merchant family in Assisi, Italy, he lived a life of luxury in his youth, but after experiencing war, he had an epiphany in his twenties, renounced his wealth, and sought poverty and seclusion. He begged for a living, wore coarse monk's robes, and went to a small church outside the city every day to pray devoutly (the church he is holding in his hand), spreading the gospel everywhere, and his life was full of legends, attracting devout Christians from all over Western Europe to this small church. Considering his influence, the Pope granted him the right to preach in hopes of suppressing the heretical doctrines that were emerging across Western Europe. From then on, Francesco led his followers to preach in marketplaces, under roadside trees, and even in threshing grounds, thus establishing the Order of Friars Minor. In paintings, Saint Francis is always depicted wearing a gray robe, and members of the Franciscan Order are also known as 'Greyfriars'. Many churches in Italy belong to the Franciscan Order, and the first missionaries to China were also members of the Order (during the Yuan and Ming dynasties). Saint Francis is one of the earliest saints to be canonized by the Roman Church in popular hagiographies. The Franciscan Order he founded, along with the Carmelite Order and the Carthusian Order, were among the earliest mendicant orders serving the sick, orphans, the elderly, and education. The Franciscan Order is also widespread in China, and its affiliated nun orders still serve the last lepers in China today. The cathedral and monastery were completed in 1253. The Basilica of Saint Francis consists of an upper and a lower church, one built on top of the other. If the crypt is included, there are actually three levels. The most famous part of the upper church is the 28 frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis painted by Giotto. The Giotto frescoes at the top were severely damaged in an earthquake in September 1997. The art-loving Italians spent 37 million euros and nearly 10 years painstakingly restoring the over 300,000 shattered fragments. The crypt was sealed in the 15th century to prevent desecration by the laity and was not reopened until 1818. After the tomb was opened, the underground crypt of Saint Francis was added. The lower church is the burial place of Saint Francis, in Romanesque style with ribbed vaults, while the upper church has ribbed and pointed vaults, decorated with tracery windows. The upper church was severely damaged in a recent earthquake disaster. Both the upper and lower churches feature many religious frescoes painted by famous artists such as Giotto, Lorenzetti, and Pisano.

MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN ITALY 🇮🇹❤️ Who wants to visit a beautiful place in Italy in 2024? 😍 This year we celebrated Christmas in @tenutasanmasseo which is one of my fav places in Italy and we had a great time here. I highly recommend to add this hotel to your bucket list for 2024 and here is why you will love this place: 1. STUNNING INFINITY POOL WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS 🤩 (Perfect to enjoy in summer ☀️) Perfect to relax and recharge the batteries. This pool has incredible views and is def one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen. 2. AMAZING GARDEN & OUTDOOR AREA 🌸 This luxury boutique resort is a perfect combination between Italian charm, beautiful nature and artistic designs. The whole outdoor area has been designed with a lot of love to the detail and gives this place a magical atmosphere. 3. LUXURY ROOMS & SUITES ✨ All rooms and suites are a perfect blend between modern design and cozy atmosphere. Tip: Make sure to book the rooms with view of Assisi. 4. PERFECT LOCATION WITH VIEWS OF ASSISI 😍 Tenuta San Masseo is located near the famous town of Assisi and you have a panoramic view of this historical town. 5. FANTASTIC PLACE FOR CELEBRATIONS & WEDDINGS 🤍 If you are looking for a place to celebrate a birthday, wedding or special event I can highly recommend this place. We celebrated our wedding here and it was just magical and an unforgettable day. HOW TO REACH THIS PLACE? 🚗 Fly into Rome Fiumicino airport and rent a car. It takes approx 2h30 (130km) to reach Tenuta San Masseo. Make sure to save this post for your next trip to Italy 😍 Tag someone special you would love to bring here ❤️ credit alexandratravellover& Contact us for removal