The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi is a church in the town of Assisi, Italy. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious and artistic destinations in Italy.
The church was built in the 13th century to house the remains of Saint Francis of Assisi, who founded the Franciscan order. The basilica is divided into two parts, the Upper Church and the Lower Church. The Upper Church is a bright and spacious Gothic-style basilica with stunning frescoes by Giotto and his followers, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis.
The Lower Church, which is accessed via a staircase, is more somber and features beautiful frescoes by Cimabue, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti. The crypt beneath the Lower Church houses the tomb of Saint Francis, which is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
The basilica also contains an art museum, with works by a number of important artists, including Giunta Pisano, Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and Puccio Capanna. The museum's collection includes illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, and other artifacts of Franciscan art and culture.
The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi is a significant site for Christian pilgrimage and a symbol of peace and brotherhood. It has been visited by many important figures, including St. John Paul II, who celebrated the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' birth at the basilica in 1986.