San Francesco, Gothic church in Pisa, Italy
San Francesco is a Gothic church in Pisa with a marble facade and a slender bell tower supported by flying buttresses. The interior features vaulted ceilings and columns that divide the space into multiple chapels and sections.
Construction began in 1233 as a small oratory and was transformed in 1261 by architect Giovanni di Simone into one of Italy's largest Franciscan monasteries. The building later served as military barracks, a hospital, and an Inquisition court before returning to religious use in 1901.
Franciscan friars shaped this place over centuries, and their spiritual vision remains woven into the building. Visitors can still sense the simplicity and devotion that defines the order today.
The building is open to visitors during regular hours and continues to function as a parish church. A visit works best before or after services to respect the ongoing religious activities inside.
Frescoes from the 14th century decorate the interior walls, including works by masters such as Taddeo Gaddi and Taddeo di Bartolo. These artworks reveal how the building attracted leading artists of its time and preserved their vision across centuries.
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