Santo Stefano

Santo Stefano is a small Romanesque church in Assisi featuring simple stone walls and understated architectural details that preserve its medieval character. Inside, a single nave is framed by Gothic arches and topped with an original wooden ceiling that remains intact.

The church was first documented in 1229 and gained parish status around 1275 during medieval Assisi's development. It represents an important example of Romanesque architecture from that era.

The church houses frescoes depicting the Madonna alongside Saints Francis and Stephen in its single nave space. These images reflect the religious devotion that was central to this place over centuries.

The church is easiest to reach through Assisi's old town, where it sits in a quiet area away from main thoroughfares. Visitors should note that the interior is intimate in scale and checking opening times beforehand is helpful.

Local tradition holds that the church bells rang by themselves at the exact moment Saint Francis died. This remarkable occurrence links the building to one of the region's most important spiritual figures.