San Francesco Basilica, Arezzo
Church in Arezzo
At first glance, Saint Francis Square in Arezzo may appear modest, framed by an unfinished church façade of rough stone. Yet within the Basilica of Saint Francis lies one of the greatest artistic achievements of the Italian Renaissance. Here, in the quiet Bacci Chapel, Piero della Francesca painted his luminous cycle “The Legend of the True Cross” between 1452 and 1466 - a work that continues to captivate art lovers from around the world. The frescoes, commissioned by the wealthy Bacci family, reveal the painter's mastery of geometry, perspective, and human expression, transforming biblical history into timeless visual poetry.
While Piero's frescoes have made this site one of the must-see places in Arezzo, the basilica holds much more. Once covered entirely in frescoes by artists such as Spinello Aretino, it remains a repository of sacred art spanning centuries. From Gothic austerity to Renaissance elegance and 20th-century restoration, the church embodies the layered soul of Arezzo itself - a great place to visit on a walking tour of Arezzo.
History and Significance of the Basilica of Saint Francis
The story of the Basilica of Saint Francis begins in the late 13th century, when devotion to Saint Francis spread rapidly across Tuscany following his death and canonization. The Franciscan friars, established in Arezzo around 1290, soon began construction of a new church to honor the saint. The building, completed during the early 14th century, was simple yet spacious, reflecting the ideals of the order. Its single nave, wide apse, and unadorned façade emphasized humility and faith over grandeur.
Over the centuries, the church underwent several transformations. The façade, rebuilt in 1346, was left unfinished - its incomplete design still visible today. Fires, wars, and neglect took their toll: in 1556, a blaze devastated the interior, and during the Napoleonic era the church was even used as a warehouse. Only in the early 20th century did restoration efforts led by architect Umberto Tavanti return the basilica to its former glory, blending medieval architecture with a subtle Neo-Renaissance spirit. In 1955, it was officially designated a basilica, reaffirming its spiritual and cultural significance.
Things to See and Do in the Basilica of Saint Francis
The undisputed centerpiece of the basilica is the Bacci Chapel, home to Piero della Francesca’s “Legend of the True Cross.” Inspired by Jacopo da Varagine’s Golden Legend, the frescoes recount the history of the cross on which Christ was crucified - from the death of Adam to the discovery of the relic by Saint Helena. Piero’s serene figures, balanced compositions, and luminous color palette mark a turning point in Renaissance art, embodying both intellect and beauty. Standing before these scenes, visitors often feel the quiet clarity that defines Piero’s genius.
Beyond Piero's work, remnants of earlier frescoes by Spinello Aretino and other 14th- and 15th-century artists can still be seen on the side walls and chapels, offering a glimpse into the church's former splendor. The architecture itself is equally striking - a simple Gothic space of soaring proportions, its bare walls drawing attention to the art they frame. This spot is one of the best places to see in Arezzo for understanding how faith and art intertwined to shape the Renaissance.
How to Get There
The Basilica of Saint Francis is located in Piazza San Francesco, a short 10-minute walk from Arezzo’s railway station. From the station, follow Via Guido Monaco and Corso Italia, then turn right onto Via Cavour to reach the square. Visitors arriving by car can park at Parcheggio Pietri or Parcheggio Eden, both within walking distance of the old town. The basilica's central location also makes it easily accessible from nearby attractions such as Piazza Grande and the Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pieve.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis
- Best time to visit the Basilica of Saint Francis: Morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting on the frescoes.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Around 8 EUR; includes access to the Bacci Chapel.
- Opening hours: Generally 9:00-18:00; times may vary by season.
- Official website: www.discoverarezzo.com
- How long to spend: Around 1-1.5 hours to view the frescoes and explore the church.
- Accessibility: Step-free access available; chapel entry via ramp.
- Facilities: Small gift shop and restrooms on site.
- Photography tip: Photography inside the Bacci Chapel is restricted; focus on exterior and architectural details.
- Guided tours: Available in multiple languages; highly recommended for understanding the fresco cycle.
- Nearby food options: Cafés and trattorias in Piazza San Francesco and Via Cavour offer excellent Tuscan fare.
Is the Basilica of Saint Francis Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Basilica of Saint Francis is one of the top attractions in Arezzo and a pilgrimage site for art lovers. Piero della Francesca's “Legend of the True Cross” alone makes it worth the journey, but the church's atmosphere, history, and quiet dignity elevate the experience further. Visiting this basilica is like stepping into a living chapter of Renaissance history - a moment where faith, art, and genius converge.
What Other Travellers Say...
Basilica di San Francesco, on Piazza San Francesco in Arezzo, is a simple Gothic church best known for the outstanding cycle of frescoes depicting the Legend/History of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca, displayed in the Bacci Chapel near the main altar; visitors often focus on those frescoes (which can require neck craning) but the spacious interior contains additional frescoes and chapels, including a small chapel serving as a war memorial. Tickets and time-slot reservations are required for the Piero della Francesca fresco visit (usually formally limited to 30 minutes), backpacks are stored in lockers at the entrance, and there is a toilet on site; outside peak season, same-day slots are often available and time limits are sometimes not strictly enforced.
Nearby Attractions to the Basilica of Saint Francis
- Piazza Grande - Arezzo's iconic sloping square framed by medieval and Renaissance buildings.
- Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pieve - A stunning Romanesque church with elegant columns and sculptures.
- Ivan Bruschi House Museum - The eclectic collection of the founder of Arezzo's Antiques Fair.
- Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici - A Renaissance palace featuring an astronomical clock and art displays.
- Arezzo Cathedral - A grand Gothic church with frescoes by Piero della Francesca and panoramic city views.
The San Francesco Basilica appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arezzo!
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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Planning Your Visit
Mon – Tue – Thu – Fri / 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sat / 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sun / 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Tours interrupted due to church service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m
€ 10.00
Nearby Attractions
- Fondazione Ivan Bruschi - Casa Museo dell'Antiquariato Ivan Bruschi (0.2) km
Museum - Church of Santa Maria della Pieve (0.2) km
Church - Palazzo Pretorio (0.2) km
Historic Building and Palace - Palazzo dei Priori in Arezzo (0.2) km
Palace - Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici (0.3) km
Museum and Palace - Piazza Grande (0.3) km
Square - Cathedral of Arezzo (0.3) km
Cathedral - Roman Amphitheatre (0.4) km
Amphitheatre - National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art (0.4) km
Gallery, Museum and Palace - National Archaeological Museum Gaius Cilnius Maecenas (0.5) km
Amphitheatre and Museum
