Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis
On Gingerguide's self-guided Assisi & Umbria audio tour, Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis is a stop worth about ~60 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Assisi & Umbria Assisi & Umbria guide
About Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis
The Lower Church of the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, a low, painted church finished by 1230, with frescoes by Cimabue, Lorenzetti and Simone Martini, and the tomb of the saint in the crypt below.
The Lower Church was finished by 1230, when the body of Francis was brought here and hidden under the floor. The tomb was found again only in 1818. The walls and vaults carry frescoes attributed to Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and the school of Giotto.
Entry is free. Pilgrims may pray at the tomb during opening hours, and on some evenings it opens for prayer. Visits pause during Mass. Dress modestly, keep silent and expect photography to be forbidden.
Did you know? To protect it from theft, the friars hid the body of St Francis deep under the floor of the Lower Church in 1230; the tomb was found again only in 1818.
How much time do you need at Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis?
Around ~60 min works well for Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis?
Yes — Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Assisi & Umbria. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Assisi & Umbria
Day 1 of the Assisi & Umbria in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Lower Church and Tomb of St Francis
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