Day 4 🇮🇹 #assisi #sacred #memories #trulyblessed: 18.5.2023
Piazza Chiesa Nuova

Chiesa Nuova⛪️🛐💓
Baroque building built in 1615 over the birthplace of St Francis, the house of Pietro di Bernardone. It was called Chiesa Nuova because it was the last church to be built in Assisi at that time. Outside the church is a statue honouring St Francis’ parents*

During a visit to Assisi in 1613, Antonio de Trejo, Spanish Vicar General of the Franciscans, was saddened when he saw the original home of St Francis becoming dilapidated. With the help of the Spanish Embassy in Rome and through a donation of 6,000 ducats by King Philip III of Spain, he was able to buy the house.

Pope Paul V authenticated the purchase of the house in 1615 and blessed the first stone. The foundation stone was brought, in a solemn procession, from Cathedral of San Rufino, and the church was built under supervision of Bro Rufino di Cerchiara, an architect*

Built in late Renaissance style, it features a high dome divided in coffers, with lantern, a drum and caisson ceiling. The plan is a Greek cross with nave and transepts of the same length, inspired by the Church of Sant'Eligio degli Orefici in Rome, designed by Raphael, and decorated with frescoes by Cesare Sermei and Giacomo Giorgetti.

The high altar is set over the room of St Francis. The stairwell is where Francis was imprisoned by his father, and answered the divine call and renounced worldly goods.

свернуть