This historic building houses a wealth of architectural styles behind its modern-looking façade.
Rebuilt in 1926, the Chiesa di San Francesco has a deceptively modern appearance. However, this relatively plain white marble exterior conceals a wealth of historic treasures dating back over 1200 years.The origins of today’s church lie in an oratory built in the early 8th century by St Antoninus, the patron saint of Sorrento, as a place for private worship. The Franciscan Friars took over the building in the 14th century, transforming it into a church to serve the monastery which still occupies the cloister to this day. Subsequent extensions and renovations have left traces of many different architectural periods and styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Arabic and modern influences.Before you step inside the church, pause to admire the statue of the Immaculate Virgin and the 15th-century wooden door that is a legacy of the craftsmanship of past generations. Inside you will find some important frescoes and paintings, as well as wooden statues of St Francis and Jesus Christ housed in the side chapels. The ceiling of the nave is particularly impressive, with Baroque stucco details on its soaring arches.The monastery cloister is also open to the public, so before you end your visit, be sure to take a peaceful walk through its ancient stone arches, ornamental trees and flowerbeds, which offer an oasis of quiet contemplation in the midst of the city.The church hosts a varied programme of activities, including free art exhibitions and classical music concerts, especially during the summer months, so check out the notice board by the gate for details of forthcoming events. Additionally, there is often an English mass on Saturday evenings, when you can absorb the special atmosphere of this historic place of worship in an authentic setting.The Chiesa di San Francesco is near Villa Comunale park, around a five-minute walk from Piazza Tasso. The church is open daily to visitors but closes at lunchtime for around an hour. Admission is free.
