Basilica of San Francesco (Siena)

San Francesco is a basilica church in Siena, Tuscany, Italy.

It was erected in c. 1228-1255 and later enlarged in the 14th-15th centuries, the original Romanesque edifice being turned into the current large Gothic one.

Architecture

The basilica is on the Egyptian Cross plan, with a nave covered by spans and a transept, according to type favoured by the Mendicant Orders, which needed spaces capable to house large crowds of faithful.

The current interior looks rather sober after a fire in 1655 and the restoration of 1885-1892, when much of the Baroque altars were demolished (part of the paintings has been however returned in recent times). The hut-shaped, neo-Gothic façade, flanked by the 1763 campanile, dates to the early 20th century. The medieval marble decoration and the 15th century portal were removed in that occasion.

Interior

The counterfaçade houses the remains of two 14th century sepulchres, as well as two large fragmentary frescoes from the former city gates of Porta Romana and Porta Pispini: an "Incoronation of the Virgin" by Sassetta and Sano di Pietro (1447-1450) and a "Nativity" by Il Sodoma (1531). Also visible is the ancient 15th century portal by Francesco di Giorgio Martini.

Amongst the numerous artworks in the church, are "Madonna with Child and Saints" by Jacopo Zucchi, an expressive "Crucifxion" by Pietro Lorenzetti and a fresco by his brother Ambrogio, a "Prayer of St. James" by Giuseppe Nicola Nasini, a "Martyrdom of St. Martina" by Pietro da Cortona and a "Madonna with Child" frescoed by Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio.

In the right transept is a 14th century marble of "St. Francis", from the ancient façade.

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