Chiesa di San Francesco, Medieval church in Guardiagrele, Italy
Chiesa di San Francesco is a stone church in Guardiagrele with a Gothic entrance portal featuring intricate carved details and a square bell tower. Multiple altars line the interior walls, creating a structured layout that guides the flow of the worship space.
Construction started in 1276 when Countess Tommasa di Palearia permitted the Franciscans to establish themselves at the site of the former San Siro chapel. The building emerged as part of the order's expansion through the region during the medieval period.
The wooden choir stalls inside display carved geometric patterns and biblical figures that show the skill of medieval craftspeople working for the Franciscan community. These pieces reveal how local artisans contributed to the spiritual life of the town through their detailed work.
The building sits next to the Filippo Ferrari archaeological museum, which displays artifacts from the Comino necropolis and surrounding areas. The location makes it easy for visitors to explore both the church and the region's archaeological treasures in one visit.
Every 25 years, the relics of San Nicola Greco, donated by Napoleone I Orsini in 1340, are carried through the town streets in a solemn procession. This rare ceremonial practice ties together the long connection between the church and the region's noble families.
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