Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Tour With Official Guide

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a must-visit destination for art and architecture enthusiasts. With an official guide leading the way, visitors can uncover the UNESCO-listed wonders that adorn its Upper and Lower Churches. From Giotto’s captivating frescoes to Cimabue’s emotive crucifix, the guided tour promises an immersive experience that brings the Basilica’s rich history to life. Personalized attention and engaging storytelling ensure a memorable journey, leaving travelers eager to explore further the profound significance of this iconic religious landmark.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Basilica of St. Francis, including the Upper and Lower Churches with renowned frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
• Explore the architectural and artistic masterpieces of the Basilica, with a focus on Giotto’s depictions of St. Francis’s life and Cimabue’s emotive crucifix.
• Navigate the distinct Upper and Lower Churches, gaining insights into the rich history and significance of this renowned religious site.
• Benefit from a small group size for personalized attention and tailored commentary from the guide.
• Comprehensive tour details, including meeting point, duration, and inclusions, to ensure a seamless and enriching Basilica experience.

Exploring the Basilica’s Highlights

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO-listed site renowned for its remarkable art and architecture.

The guide leads them through the Upper and Lower Churches, highlighting the masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue. In the Upper Church, the dazzling fresco cycles depict the life of St. Francis, while the Lower Church’s tranquil atmosphere showcases the stunning Basilica interiors.

The tour provides a rundown, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the Basilica’s rich history and artistic treasures.

With the guide’s expertise, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for this iconic Italian landmark and its enduring cultural significance.

Discovering Giotto and Cimabue’s Masterpieces

Within the Basilica of St. Francis, visitors can discover the masterpieces of renowned Italian artists Giotto and Cimabue. The tour guide will provide insights into these captivating works, which adorn the church’s interior. Through a guided exploration, travelers will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic brilliance that has shaped this UNESCO-listed site.

Artist	Work	Location
Giotto	Frescoes in the Upper Church	Depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis
Cimabue	Crucifix in the Lower Church	A powerful, emotive depiction of Christ on the cross
Giotto	Basilica’s legendary façade	Features intricate, breathtaking mosaics

This comprehensive tour ensures visitors leave with a profound understanding of the Basilica’s artistic treasures and the creative genius that has immortalized them within this sacred space.

Navigating the Upper and Lower Churches

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is divided into two main sections – the Upper Church and the Lower Church.

During the tour, visitors will explore both of these architecturally distinct areas. The Upper Church features stunning frescoes by the renowned artists Giotto and Cimabue, showcasing their masterful depictions of biblical scenes.

The Lower Church, with its more austere design, houses the tomb of St. Francis himself.

Navigating these two churches provides a comprehensive understanding of the Basilica’s rich history and artistic significance.

The guided tour ensures that travelers don’t miss any of the key highlights, allowing them to fully enjoy the Basilica’s captivating atmosphere.

Personalized Attention in a Small Group

One of the key benefits of this small-group tour is the personalized attention travelers receive from the knowledgeable guide.

With a maximum group size of 15, the tour offers a more intimate experience compared to larger groups. This allows the guide to:

1. Tailor the commentary to the specific interests and needs of the participants.
2. Provide focused explanations and answer individual questions in-depth.
3. Ensure everyone can hear and engage with the guide throughout the tour.
4. Offer a more personalized experience, creating a deeper understanding of the Basilica’s history and significance.

The small-group format creates an engaging and enriching visit to the UNESCO-listed Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Tour Duration and Meeting Point Details

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi tour lasts for one hour. The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Visitors meet at the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis, located at Piazza Inferiore di S. Francesco, 2, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy. The tour starts at 2:00 PM and ends back at the meeting point.

This guided experience allows visitors to explore the Upper and Lower Churches of the UNESCO-listed site within a compact timeframe, focusing on the top artworks, including masterpieces by renowned artists like Giotto and Cimabue.

Inclusions and Booking Information

This tour includes an official guide of the St. Francis Basilica who’ll share their expertise as you explore the Upper and Lower Churches.

The admission tickets are covered, and gratuities are included so you don’t have to worry about any additional costs.

After the tour, you can choose to linger inside the church at your leisure.

The booking details are as follows:

1. Price: From $49.16 per person
2. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
3. Confirmation received at booking
4. Reserve now and pay later option available

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers’ reviews of this Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi tour have been overwhelmingly positive. Based on 3 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 5.

Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the tour guide, Alessandra. One highlight mentioned is how she skillfully guided the group through the Upper and Lower Churches, providing valuable insights into the renowned art and architecture.

Travelers highly recommend this experience for its engaging, personalized nature and the opportunity to fully appreciate the UNESCO-listed Basilica in just one hour. The reviews indicate this tour is a must-do for visitors seeking an enriching introduction to this iconic religious site.

Preparing for Your Basilica Tour

One key step in preparing for your Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi tour is to review the details provided. The tour lasts one hour and has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, meeting at the Papal Basilica.

To make the most of your experience, consider these tips:

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be exploring the Upper and Lower Churches.
2. Bring any necessary medication, as the tour may not provide breaks.
3. Familiarize yourself with the meeting point to arrive on time.
4. Ensure you have the necessary admission tickets and are ready to follow your guide’s instructions.

Following these steps will help you fully learn about the rich history and art of this UNESCO-listed site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside the basilica, but visitors are asked to refrain from using flash photography out of respect for the sacred nature of the space. Tripods may be restricted in some areas.

Can I Visit the Basilica on My Own After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can choose to linger inside the basilica after the official tour concludes. The tour includes admission tickets, so guests have the option to explore the basilica further on their own following the guided experience.

What Should I Wear to Visit the Basilica?

When visiting any Catholic church, it’s best to dress respectfully. Avoid short skirts, tank tops, and revealing clothing. Opt for long pants, knee-length or longer skirts, and shirts that cover the shoulders. This shows reverence for the sacred space.

Is There a Dress Code for Entry Into the Basilica?

There is generally a dress code for entry into most basilicas, cathedrals, and churches in Italy. Visitors should wear modest attire, covering their shoulders and knees. Tank tops, shorts, and revealing clothing are typically not permitted.

Can I Leave the Tour Group During the Guided Visit?

You can generally leave the tour group during the guided visit, but it’s best to check with the guide first. Most tours allow some flexibility, but following the group ensures you don’t miss key highlights.

Recap

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi’s official guided tour is a must-do experience for art and history enthusiasts. With a small group size, visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed site‘s stunning architecture, Giotto’s frescoes, and Cimabue’s crucifix, all while benefiting from engaging storytelling and personalized attention. This enriching, hour-long tour is highly praised, making it an excellent way to appreciate the Basilica’s cultural significance.