Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Minor basilica and church building in Ferrara, Italy
The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a Renaissance church in Ferrara characterized by its balanced facade and ornamental stone details throughout. The interior follows Renaissance proportions, with careful attention to symmetry and the use of light to create a sense of order.
Construction began in 1494 under architect Biagio Rossetti during a major period of architectural renewal in Ferrara. The building emerged from efforts to transform the city into a model Renaissance center following new design principles.
This basilica serves as a living place of worship where locals and visitors experience Renaissance spirituality through its architectural design. The building shows how religious spaces were imagined and built during a time of great artistic change in the city.
The basilica is accessible daily and located centrally on Piazza San Francesco, making it straightforward to find. Keep in mind that access may be limited during religious services, so it helps to check the schedule beforehand.
The basilica was among the first buildings Rossetti designed following his new urban renewal concepts, even before major palaces were built. It reveals how the architect tested his vision in a religious structure before reshaping the city's secular spaces.
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