Casa natale di San Francesco

Historic Site in Assisi

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Superchilum

Hidden away in one of Assisi's quieter corners, the Casa Natale di San Francesco offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the beginnings of Saint Francis's extraordinary life. According to tradition, the future saint was born here on July 5, 1182, in what was then a stable — a fitting symbol for the man who would dedicate his life to humility and simplicity. The site, later transformed into a small oratory, remains one of the must-see places in Assisi for pilgrims and history lovers alike.

Visiting this sacred spot feels worlds apart from the grandeur of Assisi's basilicas. The stone walls, simple benches, and traces of 13th- and 14th-century frescoes evoke a sense of quiet reverence. Outside, the little square adds charm, marked by a bronze sculpture of Francis's parents and overlooked by the elegant 17th-century Chiesa Nuova. This location is a highlight of any walking tour of Assisi, blending legend, devotion, and history in one evocative setting.

History and Significance of Casa Natale di San Francesco
Things to See and Do in Casa Natale di San Francesco
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Casa Natale di San Francesco
Is Casa Natale di San Francesco Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions to Casa Natale di San Francesco

History and Significance of Casa Natale di San Francesco

The Casa Natale di San Francesco stands on the site traditionally believed to be Saint Francis's birthplace. According to legend, his mother, Pica de Bourlemont, took refuge in a stable when she went into labor, seeking the humility of Christ's own nativity. The oratory that commemorates this event was first documented in 1286 and has since been a place of quiet reflection for centuries of pilgrims.

Above the Romanesque archway at the entrance, an inscription recalls this story, marking the site's importance in the spiritual geography of Assisi. Inside, the modest, single-chambered interior conveys the essence of Francis's message — simplicity, poverty, and peace. The fresco remnants from the 13th and 14th centuries are among the earliest artistic tributes to his life, painted during a time when his cult had already spread widely across Europe.

The oratory's proximity to the Chiesa Nuova adds another layer of meaning. Built in 1615 on the site of Francis's family home, the church includes a small cell where his father, Pietro di Bernardone, is said to have imprisoned his rebellious son. This poignant detail highlights the tension between worldly ambition and divine calling that defined Francis's early years.

Things to See and Do in Casa Natale di San Francesco

Inside the oratory, visitors can admire the understated altar area with its faded frescoes and soft light filtering through narrow windows, creating a contemplative atmosphere. The structure's simplicity, especially after visiting Assisi's larger sanctuaries, offers a refreshing authenticity — a reminder of the saint's humble beginnings.

Just outside, take a moment in the small square to view the modern bronze sculpture representing Francis's parents, a work that captures both tenderness and dignity. From here, you can look up to see the Chiesa Nuova's Renaissance façade, adding a sense of continuity between the saint's earthly home and his spiritual journey. For those interested in deepening their understanding of Francis's life, this is one of the top sights in Assisi, where myth and history meet seamlessly.

How to Get There

Casa Natale di San Francesco is located in the heart of Assisi, near the Chiesa Nuova and just a short walk from Piazza del Comune. Visitors arriving by train can disembark at Assisi railway station, then take a taxi or local bus to the old town. Drivers can use nearby parking at Piazza Giovanni Paolo II or Porta Nuova Car Park, both within 10–15 minutes on foot. The walk through the medieval streets to the site is a pleasure in itself, lined with artisan shops and stone archways.

Practical Tips on Visiting Casa Natale di San Francesco

Best time to visit Casa Natale di San Francesco: Early morning for a quiet, reflective visit before the tourist crowds arrive.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free, though donations are welcome.
Opening hours: Generally open 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; times may vary by season.
Official website: www.comune.assisi.pg.it
How long to spend: Around 20–30 minutes.
Accessibility: Some steps at the entrance; assistance may be needed for limited mobility.
Facilities: Restrooms and small shops nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the bronze sculpture of Francis's parents with the Chiesa Nuova in the background.
Guided tours: Included in many Assisi pilgrimage and heritage tours.
Nearby food options: Cafés and gelaterias around Piazza del Comune for light refreshments.

Is Casa Natale di San Francesco Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Casa Natale di San Francesco may be small and unassuming, but it holds immense emotional and spiritual power. It's one of the things to do in Assisi that allows visitors to connect personally with the story of Saint Francis — not through grandeur, but through simplicity. The combination of history, devotion, and setting makes it an unforgettable stop for anyone exploring the saint's life.

Nearby Attractions to Casa Natale di San Francesco

Chiesa Nuova – The elegant 17th-century church built on the site of Francis's family home.
Piazza del Comune – Assisi's lively main square filled with history and local character.
Temple of Minerva – A striking Roman temple that dominates the town's central square.
Basilica di Santa Chiara – The resting place of Saint Clare, with serene valley views.
Basilica of Saint Francis – The world-famous church housing Giotto's frescoes and the saint's tomb.

The Casa natale di San Francesco appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Assisi!

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