Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna

Basilica in Ravenna

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wilfred Krause

In Ravenna's Zone of Silence, just a short walk from Dante's Tomb, the Basilica of San Francesco feels like the city's quieter spiritual anchor. The exterior is solid and unpretentious, with a square bell tower that signals age and endurance rather than spectacle, and the interior carries the same mood: restrained, linear, and deliberately calm, as if designed to hold attention without demanding it.

This church is one of the must-see places in Ravenna if you want to connect the city's monuments to lived history rather than only art history. It's also often visited on walking tours of Ravenna because it sits in the same contemplative corner as Dante's memorial spaces, making it easy to combine the two in a single, slow-paced route.

History and Significance of the Basilica of San Francesco
Things to See and Do in the Basilica of San Francesco
Practical Tips on Visiting the Basilica of San Francesco
Where to Stay close to the Basilica of San Francesco
Is the Basilica of San Francesco Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Basilica of San Francesco
For Different Travelers
Nearby Attractions to the Basilica of San Francesco

History and Significance of the Basilica of San Francesco

The church’s origins reach back to the mid-5th century, when it was first consecrated under earlier dedications before later becoming associated with Saint Francis and the Franciscan order. Over time it passed through multiple phases of restoration and rethinking, but the modern character of the basilica was strongly shaped by a deliberate decision in the early 20th century to strip away later Baroque layers and return the interior to a more austere, medieval appearance aligned with Franciscan sensibilities.

Its cultural significance is inseparable from Dante Alighieri. The basilica was closely tied to the Da Polenta family, Ravenna’s ruling household during the poet’s exile, and it became the setting for his funeral in 1321. For travellers, that connection shifts the visit from “beautiful church” to something more personal: you are standing in a place that participated in one of the most resonant moments of Italian cultural memory.

The basilica is also a subtle lesson in how Ravenna’s ground has changed over time. Subsidence has affected many structures in the city, and here it shapes the building’s proportions and the extraordinary presence of the crypt, turning geology into part of the story.

Things to See and Do in the Basilica of San Francesco

Start by taking in the interior’s rhythm. The church has three naves divided by two rows of columns, and the effect is quietly architectural rather than ornate. Walk a little way down the central nave, then turn back briefly; the perspective of repeated columns creates a sense of procession that mirrors the solemn mood of the Zone of Silence outside.

Make your way toward the apse and look for the mosaic presence there, keeping in mind that the apse sits lower externally because of subsidence. The detailing in this area is a reminder that Ravenna’s mosaic tradition doesn’t only belong to famous UNESCO interiors; it threads through the city in subtler forms as well.

The most distinctive, unforgettable moment is the view into the crypt beneath the main altar. Through a window you can see down into a small oratory-like space once intended to hold the remains of Bishop Neon, and what makes it so striking today is the water: the crypt is famously flooded, with an atmosphere that feels part sacred, part surreal. If you linger, you may notice how the light plays on the water surface, turning a structural problem into an eerie, memorable feature.

Along the right nave, look for the 16th-century chapels with their sculptures and frescoes. They add a different artistic register-more intimate, more devotional-and they soften the austerity of the main volume with pockets of later beauty.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Basilica of San Francesco

Suggested tips: Visit immediately after Dante's Tomb so you keep the narrative continuity, then pause at the crypt window long enough for the atmosphere to land.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the calmest experience in the Zone of Silence.
Entrance fee: Free entry (donations may be possible on site).
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 7 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm Saturdays and Sundays: 7 am – 6.30 pm
Official website: https://www.turismo.ra.it/en/culture-and-history/religious-buildings/basilica-san-francesco/
How long to spend: 20-45 minutes, longer if you want to linger in the chapels or sit quietly in the nave.
Accessibility: Generally central and easy to reach on foot, but expect historic thresholds and potentially uneven paving in and around the church.
Facilities: Limited on site; cafés and amenities are close by in the surrounding centre.
Photography tip: The crypt view is the most evocative photo; keep it respectful, avoid flash, and take a steady shot that includes the window frame for context.
Guided tours: A walking tour that covers Dante's Ravenna adds value here, since the church's significance is closely tied to his funeral and the Da Polenta family.
Nearby food options: The surrounding centre has plenty of cafés for an espresso stop right after; it’s a natural place to pause before returning to busier monument areas.

Where to Stay close to the Basilica of San Francesco

To stay close to the Zone of Silence and keep this part of Ravenna walkable, choose a central hotel that lets you visit early or return in the evening when the area is quieter. Albergo Cappello is a strong option for a characterful stay near the main sights. Hotel Centrale Byron keeps you in the historic centre for easy walking access to churches, cafés, and Dante’s memorial area. For a slightly more polished base that still remains walkable to the Zone of Silence, Palazzo Bezzi Hotel is a comfortable choice.

Is the Basilica of San Francesco Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you want a Ravenna experience that is quieter and more reflective than the city's most famous mosaic interiors. The basilica offers a strong sense of place: a medieval church in a calm memorial district, with a direct connection to Dante that makes the visit feel meaningful even if you arrive with only basic knowledge.

The flooded crypt alone makes it worth the short detour, because it is unlike anything else in the city. It’s the kind of detail that stays with you, not because it’s grand, but because it’s haunting, distinctive, and inseparable from Ravenna’s unique relationship with time and ground.

FAQs for Visiting Basilica of San Francesco

It is in central Ravenna within the Zone of Silence, close to Dante’s Tomb.

Entry is typically free.

Dante’s funeral was held here in 1321, and his remains were temporarily placed in a sarcophagus within the church before later arrangements.

The flooded crypt visible beneath the main altar through a viewing window is the standout feature.

It is commonly described as Romanesque in character, with a strong, austere interior shaped by medieval forms and later restoration choices.

Walk the nave to appreciate the rows of columns, then look for the chapels along the right nave with later sculptures and frescoes.

Yes, subsidence has influenced the building’s levels and contributes to the crypt’s distinctive water-filled appearance.

It is often calmer than Ravenna’s most famous monuments, especially outside peak midday hours.

Yes, it functions as a church, so be mindful of services and maintain respectful behaviour.

Most visitors spend 20-45 minutes, depending on how long they linger in the chapels and at the crypt.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,502)

Basilica of Saint Francis, on Piazza S. Francesco in Ravenna, is an understated Romanesque church noted for its submerged crypt with ancient mosaic flooring visible beneath clear water; visitors mention queues for the crypt at busy times but praise the peaceful interior and occasional concerts, and note the basilica's connection to Dante's funeral in 1321.

Enjoy life

4 months ago

"Surpusing 10th-century Romanesque basilica, radically remodeled in the 18th century, where Dante's funeral was celebrated in 1321. Throughout itshistory, the church has been regularly raised due to the subsidence of the ground in Rave a since Antiquity. The original plan of the basilica is 3.6 m below road level. Through a window located under the high altar, one can see the 10th-century crypt, whose original floor is constantly submerged by water, which does not prevent one from admiring its mosaics ......"

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Adam Peddie

4 months ago

"Interesting place, the queue to see the crypt was quite long so we didn’t bother, had a quick look and moved on, worth a look if you’re already inRave a, but wouldn’t make a detour for it...."

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Lucian Popescu

7 years ago

"9th century basilica built in late Roman style. Worth the visit because of its submerged crypt with mosaic floor. Unfortunately filled to the brimwith large organized groups, so visit only if you have spare time..."

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For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This church can work well for families if you keep the visit focused on a few memorable elements. The flooded crypt is a natural point of interest for children because it feels unusual and a little mysterious, and it can lead to a simple explanation about how Ravenna’s ground level has changed over time.

Keep the tone respectful and the visit short, then follow it with an outdoor break nearby. Because the Zone of Silence is calm and walkable, it’s easy to make this a gentle stop rather than a long indoor stretch.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the Basilica of San Francesco is one of Ravenna's most atmospheric stops, especially paired with Dante's Tomb. The quiet nave, the soft light, and the water-filled crypt create a mood that feels contemplative and intimate rather than touristic.

It’s ideal as part of a slow walk through the centre, followed by an espresso or aperitivo nearby. This is a place where you don’t need to “do” much-simply being there is the experience.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong budget-friendly visit because it is central, typically free, and easy to include while walking between other sights. It adds a meaningful layer to a Ravenna day without adding cost or transport time.

Use it as one of your calmer stops between paid UNESCO interiors. The contrast often makes the bigger monuments feel even more impactful when you return to them.

Nearby Attractions to the Basilica of San Francesco

Dante's Tomb: Ravenna's most contemplative landmark, a quiet memorial temple in the heart of the Zone of Silence.
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo: A UNESCO basilica famed for its long mosaic processions along the nave walls.
Neonian Baptistery: A small octagonal baptistery with a dazzling dome mosaic centred on Christ's baptism.
Archbishop's Museum: A compact museum behind the cathedral with major treasures including the Chair of Bishop Maximian.
Piazza del Popolo: Ravenna's main square, perfect for a café break and a pause between monument visits.

The Basilica of San Francesco appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ravenna!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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