Assisi - Basilica of St. Francis and Meringue on a Stick

We walked down to the Basilica of St. Francis which is all the way at the bottom of the hill. The basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built into the side of the hill and has two churches - the Upper Church and the Lower Church, and a crypt where the remains of St. Francis are located. 

Walking down to the Basilica of St. Francis

Basilica of St. Francis

This area below used to be the main plaza and was cluttered with pilgrim services and the medieval equivalent of souvenir shops. 

We went to St. Francis's tomb first. His remains are above the altar in the stone box with iron ties. Francis' four closest friends and first followers are memorialized in the corners of the room. 

St. Francis's tomb is right there in the center then you get to walk around the whole thing

We were not allowed to take pictures inside so I found this on the internet

I really like the Lower Basilica in this church, which is like an enormous crypt. It is covered in frescos with scenes from the lives of Christ and St. Francis. Its really pretty and very Romanesque style. 

Below this area they have a Reliquary Chapel that is filled with fascinating relics. There is a silver chalice and plate that Francis used for mass, pieces of clothing that he wore, and document that he signed with his T-shaped character (tau cross). There is also the papal document legitimizing the Franciscan Order that was signed by the Pope in 1223. 

The Upper Basilica was built later then the lower part. The upper part is considered the first Gothic church in Italy (started in 1228). This part is full of frescoes showing 28 scenes from the life of St. Francis. 

The Upper Basilica

This is the courtyard area that overlooks the 15th century cloister. Pope Sixtus IV had it built as a secure retreat for himself. The courtyard also functioned as a cistern to collect rainwater, supplying enough for 200 monks (today, there are about 40). 

Courtyard

Looking out from the front of the Basilica 

Meringue on a stick = YUMMY!

Piazza del Comune

After dinner Joe went around with K again and took pictures of the sights. K really enjoyed walking around at night with her Daddy. This was our last night in Assisi. 

Gross!!!