Chiesa di San Francesco, Franciscan church in Guardiagrele, Italy

Chiesa di San Francesco in Guardiagrele preserves the facade and lower right wall of its 14th-century structure, with a rectangular window replacing the original oculus. The main portal, carved in the 13th century by the school of Nicola Mancino, was moved here in 1884 from Santa Maria Maggiore. The interior is Baroque, with two carved wooden confessionals from the 18th century near the entrance and a long Latin inscription on the counter-facade.

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 former convent rooms adjoining the church now house the town hall and the municipal museums, reached from the same cloister with its quadrangle of cross-vaulted bays. The cloister's central well was walled up in the 19th century. The side portal on the flank was moved here in 1884 from Santa Maria Maggiore.

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.