Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna
Basilica of San Francesco in Ravenna is a fairly simple, but at the same time very old church in the center of the city. There are no remarkable frescoes or elaborate mosaics. The original appearance of the church is also not really preserved. But this place is remarkable because of the fact that the famous Italian poet Dante Alighieri was buried on the territory of the complex.
History of the Basilica
In the past, a church was situated on the site of the current monastery. It was built around 450 by order of the Bishop of Ravenna – Neon, and received the name of the Apostles Peter and Paul. But during the 9-10 centuries the building of the church was transformed into a much larger one and became known as San Pietro Maggiore. During construction, a large quadrangle bell tower appeared. And in 1261, the complex became the abode of Franciscan monks, while the church was named after the founder of the order, Francis of Assisi.
In 1321, the author of the Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri, was buried in the church of St. Francis of Assisi.
In the 17–18 centuries the church was subjected to numerous restorations. The most significant was the restoration of 1793 under the leadership of the architect Pietro Zumaglini. In 1810, the Franciscan Order was abolished by Napoleon, and the monks were able to return to their former place only in 1949. Meanwhile, in 1918–1921, was carried out the restoration and decoration of the interior of the church, dedicated to the 600th anniversary of the death of Dante. Its goal was to return it to the original appearance, which was lost over the centuries. In 1926 and 1970, the restoration of the crypt-tomb of Bishop Neon was carried out twice.
Architecture and interior
- From the outside the church is unremarkable, fired brick served as the main material for its construction.
- In the center of the church there is a simple arched passage. On the side there is a bell tower with an iron cross. The height of the bell tower is 32.6 meters. Over the centuries, the level of the floor has sunken sufficiently, and now it is 3.6 meters below the ground level.
- The length of the church from the inside is 46.5 meters; it is divided into 3 parts by 2 rows of arches formed by 12 columns.
- Ancient sarcophagi are located on both sides of the bell tower, and along the right nave inside the temple there are 3 small chapels. At the end of the same nave there is the old organ of 1921.
- Under the main building there is a crypt built in the 9th century. It was intended to preserve the remains of the bishops. After sinking of the floor level, the crypt was flooded. Unable to overcome the water, the Italians turned the problem into a decoration, making a small pool. The fragments of original mosaics of the 9th century are visible at its bottom. Access to the Neon sarcophagus is closed, and a small arched passage leads to the crypt itself.
How to get there
The Basilica of San Francesco is located in the heart of Ravenna, on Via Guido da Polenta, 6. Next to the monastery there is the Dante Museum and the Museum of Dolls and Toys, as well as the Arian Baptistery. In 200 meters there is the bus stop Piazza Caduti (routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 70, 80, 147, 149, 156).
Opening hours: every day from 7:00 to 12:00, and from 15:00 to 19:00. Phone number for information (+39) 0544 33256.
Free admission.
