The Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi

Assisi is an Italian town of just over 26,000 inhabitants in the province of Perugia, in Umbria, and is best known for the figure of St. Francis, who was born, lived and died in Assisi. In fact, the most important monument of the entire town is dedicated to San Francesco, namely the Basilica of San Francesco. The building was built starting from 1228 (the year in which St. Francis was proclaimed as such) at the behest of Pope Gregory IX, and from 1230 it preserves the mortal remains of the saint. The Basilica is divided into an upper and a lower part, the first is accessed from the upper square and was initially designed as a place of pilgrimage and popular devotion. The lower part, on the other hand, is equipped with the 'crypt', which preserves the remains of San Francesco, and is accessed from the lower square. The building is considered a Heritage protected by UNESCO, a World Heritage Site since 2000. With its gothic style and its history, it is an accredited tourist destination, and it is the reason why many tourists decide to go to Assisi in case where they are in Umbria.