A small group of minor friars, sent by Francis of Assisi himself, arrived in Treviso in 1216, and in the area beyond the Cagnan Grande, the Franciscans built a simple convent and a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary... #tuttitaly
The Church of San Francesco in Treviso is a place full of history and spirituality, located in the northeast part of the city center, beyond the Cagnan Grande. Founded in the 13th century by the Franciscan friars sent by St. Francis of Assisi, the convent and the chapel soon began to thrive. With the support of the municipality of Treviso, the church and the convent were completed in 1270, also thanks to the help of important figures like Gerardo da Camino.
This place of worship soon became a reference point for the most influential families of Treviso, who built their own chapels there, decorating the church with priceless works of art. However, over the centuries, the church experienced various vicissitudes: during the French occupation in 1797, the conventual friars were expelled and in 1806 the convent was suppressed.
Only in 1928, after a long restoration, the Church of San Francesco was reopened for worship and entrusted again to the conventual Franciscan friars. Although located in the territory of Santa Maria Maddalena and not being a parish church, it still retains all its charm and its historical and artistic value.
The architecture of the Church of San Francesco is an example of transition between the Romanesque style and the early Gothic. The gabled facade is decorated with pilasters and arches, while the interior features a Latin cross plan with a main nave and five side chapels.
Inside the church, visitors can admire numerous works of art, including frescoes of great historical value attributed to Marco Veneziano and Tommaso da Modena. Among the tombs present, stand out those of Pietro Alighieri and Francesca Petrarca, important figures in Italian history.
In addition to the artistic and historical richness, the Church of San Francesco also houses contemporary works, such as the statue of St. Francis created by sculptor Roberto Cremesini and the Mascioni pipe organ, a true jewel of musical technology.
In conclusion, the Church of San Francesco in Treviso is a place to visit for those who wish to immerse themselves in the history, art, and spirituality of this fascinating Venetian city.
Comments