Church of San Francesco and Cloister of San Francesco - Sorrento (NA) - Sorrento Peninsula - Campania
- Tuttitaly
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
The cloister was built during the 14th century, on the remains of an ancient 7th century monastery, by the Franciscans, who built the annexed convent and church of San Francesco, today rich in architectural details from various eras... #tuttitaly
Church of San Francesco and Cloister of San Francesco - Sorrento (NA) - Sorrento Peninsula - Campania
The Church of San Francesco, with its facade that may seem modern, hides an ancient story that dates back centuries. The earliest historical records date back to the 1300s, a period when Franciscan friars settled here. The church reached its peak during the second half of the 15th century when King Ferdinand I and Isabella of Aragon financially supported the friars, granting them access to the waters of the royal cisterns and providing a monthly donation of 6 ducats.
However, the church's history is not without difficulties. A devastating earthquake in 1688 caused severe damage to the complex, destroying several monastic cells, the refectory, and some lateral chapels. It was only in the early 1700s that the church underwent partial restoration. In 1865, due to the provisions of King Joachim Murat, the friars were forced to abandon the convent, which then came under the management of the municipal administration. The Franciscan friars returned to their ancient settlement only in 1931, where they still reside today.
Architectural Style
The Church of San Francesco is an interesting example of the union of architectural styles.
Inside, the polychrome marbles evoke the Baroque style, but Gothic influences from the 1300s are also present. A particularly charming element is the cloister, built in the 14th century on the remains of an ancient 7th-century monastery by the Franciscan friars. In the 15th century, the cloister also became a place for civic meetings, while at the beginning of the 20th century it underwent significant renovation.
Structurally, the cloister has a classic quadrangular shape, enriched by porticoes on all four sides and a central garden. The tuff arches are semicircular on two sides, while on the other two they intertwine to form arabesque-style bifora.
The capitals of the columns supporting the arches are decorated in various ways, featuring the emblem of the Sersale family on the northern side and floral motifs in Byzantine style on the southern and eastern sides.
Finally, the cloister also houses the refectory, and a staircase leads to the spaces of the former convent, promising a fascinating journey into the history and spirituality of the place.
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Church of San Francesco and Cloister of San Francesco - Sorrento (NA) - Sorrento Peninsula - Campania
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