Basilica of San Francesco

Close to Tuscany, at the western's slopes of Subasio mountain there is the birth city of San Francesco, patron saint of Italy. Naturally we're talking about Assisi, one of the most nice cities of Umbria and Italy!
Important economic and social centre during roman empire, soon after this city knew a dark and stormy period because of barbarics invasion and conquestes by byzantine and longobards. Sure for strategic position in the middle Italy, Assisi, until it was assigned at Vatican state in XVI century during the Paolo III papacy, was always under siege. Finally in 1860 by a plebiscit Assisi became an italian city. In all the story it's particular that during these nasty moments Francesco born and only 2 years later his death (1226) he was proclaimed Saint by pope Gregorio IX. Besides, thanks to the Francesco's largesse, immediately Gregorio IX allowed to start the building of one of the most nice basilicas for containg the Saint of Assisi body. So it was projected as memorial church and the works for Inferior Basilica of Assisi started in 1228 and it was finished two years later when the body of Francesco had putted down in a little crypt where still now you can find it.
The basilica seems adhere to romantic style, lacking in elevation with short and thick pillar; so only later a careful close examination you can find that behind a strong structural framework there is the gothic influence.
Inside you can see beautiful decorations that cover the basilica made by the most distinguished artists of that time: Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini. About the Superior Basilica of Assisi, it's characterized by its wall face "similar at hut" with a big central chaterine wheel sorrounded by four evangelists. Famous for contain the most completed collection middle ages stained-glass window of Italy, the superior basilica of Assisi was used as church for liturgy functions like it's testified by the presence in the apse of the papal throne. Assisi with its San Francesco's Basilica is a splendid city with a sacred fascination, so it could be a precious place close your tuscan holiday in our villa.