Assisi, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, extends along the slopes of Monte Subasio. Despite the town’s Roman origins, its present aspect is Medieval. The most ancient part of the city is protected by a perimeter wall with eight fortified gate which ends with two castles, the Rocca Maggiore, rebuilt by Cardinal Albornotz in 1367, and the more recent Rocca Minore.
The Palazzo dei Priori, dating to 1337, the 13th century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the Temple of Minerva are all located on the Piazza del Comune.
The town’s fame, however, is due to the imposing Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, whose 25 years construction began in 1228 under Pope Gregory IX. The best architects and painters of the time contributed to it, creating an example that would influence the spread of the Gothic style in Italy. A magnificent Gothic portal is the entryway into the Basilica. The Loggia delle Benedizioni was added to the left of the facade in the 17th century, facing the imposing bell tower decorated with cornices and arches.
The original design of the Basilica was very simple, following the canons of the Franciscan order. However, the plan was immediately modified to make a more imposing and regal structure, inspired by Lombard Romanesque and Cistercian architecture. The Catholic church, who was counting on the Franciscans to win back the poorest sections of society, made the Basilica a site for “sponsored” pilgrimage.
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