San Damiano, Romanesque church in Assisi, Italy
San Damiano is a Romanesque church nestled among olive groves southeast of Assisi, featuring a single nave with ribbed barrel vaults and a deep apse. The building houses an oratory with a wooden crucifix and a refectory surrounded by monastic quarters.
The church was founded around 1030 and initially belonged to Benedictine monks before becoming the seat of the first Poor Clares convent in the 12th century. This shift transformed it into a major center for the newly established order.
The church is closely associated with Saint Clare, who established her first convent here and spent years in prayer within its walls. Visitors can still see the spaces where her spiritual life unfolded and where the order she founded took root.
The church is located on Via San Damiano and remains open daily for visitors to explore the oratory, refectory, and adjoining spaces at no cost. Wear sturdy shoes when visiting, as the path winds through olive groves and the ground can be uneven.
A large wooden crucifix from the 17th century holds a central place in the oratory and is said to be where a spiritual turning point occurred. This artwork remains one of the most moving objects found at the site.
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