CHURCH OF SAN FRANCESCO (13th century) Like the basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, even this church was constructed by Brother Elias in 1247 on an area called Bagno della Regina, which had been donated to him by the Comune. Notable remains of some Roman constructions, probably hot springs, existed on that piece of land. The church is Gothic in style but has been heavily remodeled especially in the 17th century. The impact of its masses and the grace of its original lines, however, are still intact. The entry door and the large windows, which have recently been restored, are to be admired. Some manipulations concerned the painting on the walls, once embellished with famous frescoes, where Baroque altars have been placed. The large Gothic windows have been closed and the stone high altar has been replaced with a marble Baroque one created by Bernardino Radi (17th century), which contains a relic of the Holy Cross. Besides the Holy Cross, which was brought by Brother Elias from Constantinople, the church also preserves the tunic, an evangelistic manuscript, and a pillow. All these relics belonged to Saint Francis and have been preserved by Brother Elias
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