The Church of San Francesco, named after Francis of Assisi, Italy’s patron saint, is a small church that hosts live concerts and boasts an impressive collection of religious artefacts, artworks and baroque architecture.
The history of the church begins when it was built on the site of a previous church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It is believed that in 1222, Saint Francis passed though Ravello on his way to honour the remains of Saint Andrew and he visited the church. The original gothic architecture was replaced with the current baroque style in a restoration in 1700.
While the church is humble is size, it has an impressive collection of religious artefacts. Notice the pipe organ located in the choir and, under the high altar, look at the urn which contains the body of the Franciscan priest and missionary, the Blessed Bonaventura of Potenza. Potenza worked on the Amalfi Coast and died in Ravello in 1711.
Walk into the “Memoraile of Blessed” in the hall next to the church and discover memorabilia from Bonaventura. See manuscripts and the stained-glass windows with depictions of Bonaventura and a 1754 biography written about the priest. Admire the sarcophagus with the stone reliefs dating back to the Late Antiquity.
Walk through the courtyard and around the cloisters and notice the water well in the centre with the small temple-like structure covering it. Stroll into the Salon to see the stonework of Francesco Amato, a local artist, and visit the library near the convent to view books and manuscripts that date back to the 16th century.Classical music concerts are often hosted at the cloisters and in the church. For a calendar of events, visit the Church of San Francesco website.
Classical music concerts are often hosted at the cloisters and in the church. For a calendar of events, visit the Church of San Francesco website.
The Church of San Francesco is located in Ravello, 7 kilometres (4 miles) from Amalfi and 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Salerno. There is no entrance fee and to get there by car, drive along the coastal road or take the bus from Amalfi.
