The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, in Palermo

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beautiful medieval churches of Palermo, among its some eighty sanctuaries. The Palermo audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this Gothic building of the Franciscans, jewel of the religious heritage of the town.

The Gothic sanctuary of the Franciscans

Among the some eighty churches and chapels of Palermo, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi deserves a particular halt. Built from the thirteenth century by the Franciscans, the order founded by St Francis of Assisi, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic churches of the town and of Sicily. Its façade, sober and harmonious, is adorned with a magnificent ornate portal and a great rose window, in the Gothic style of the era. Inside, the building has known over the centuries numerous additions and embellishments, mixing the original Gothic with Renaissance and baroque chapels and decors, including remarkable sculptures. Like many monuments of La Kalsa, the basilica was damaged by the bombings of the Second World War, then carefully restored to find its splendour again. A place of prayer and contemplation still in activity, it is also near the Oratory of San Lorenzo, another jewel adorned with stuccoes. A medieval sanctuary and a Gothic jewel, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, one of the most beautiful Gothic churches of Palermo, built from the thirteenth century by the Franciscans, with a façade adorned with a magnificent portal and a great rose window, whose interior mixes the original Gothic with Renaissance and baroque chapels and remarkable sculptures, damaged in 1940 then restored, near the Oratory of San Lorenzo. The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a Gothic jewel of Palermo. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi lies in the La Kalsa district, in Palermo, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What is the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Palermo?

One of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic churches of Palermo, built from the thirteenth century by the Franciscans, the order of St Francis of Assisi; with a façade adorned with a magnificent portal and a great rose window, its interior mixes Gothic, Renaissance and baroque and remarkable sculptures, and it was restored after the bombings of 1940.

Where is the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Palermo?

In the La Kalsa district, in Palermo, in Italy.