Assisi Basilica of St Francis

The Basilica of St Francis in Assisi is a church and monastery in Assisi, Umbria, central Italy. The basilica has been called "perhaps the most sublime creation of Western art" and "a perfect work of the human soul". It is one of the most remarkable examples of Gothic architecture in Italy and contains the body of St Francisbut it is remarkable for its cycle of frescoes which is strongly influenced by Giotto's style.

It was founded by St Francis himself, who wanted to build a small chapel next to his father's house. Construction began sometime between 1207 and 1209and perhaps from its origins the friars had thought it would be a small structure. But it soon became larger than their original plan as new donors provided money for it.

The basilica was completed on 21 September 1228 with the laying of the last stone.