San Francesco, Catholic church in Schio, Italy

San Francesco is a Gothic church in Schio with a central nave separated from a single side aisle by five pointed arches on stone columns. The 1894–95 facade by Carlo Letter has a four-arch portico and a closed central rose window. Inside, a double fresco frieze attributed to Francesco Verla, completed by 1520, runs between the wooden trusses.

Construction began in 1424 and the church was consecrated in 1442, marking its establishment as an important religious center. After centuries of use as a monastery and later as a hospital, it underwent significant transformations before continuing into modern times.

The church displays artworks that reflect religious life across centuries and bring together different artistic periods. Visitors can see these works in the interior spaces, which remain active for worship today.

The church is centrally located in Schio and easily accessible on foot. Visitors should know that religious activities still take place, so it is good to be quiet and behave respectfully.

The left wall still bears traces of a large red cross painted during the Second World War to mark the hospital complex and spare it from air raids. The bell tower keeps three bells: one dated 1784 and two from 1922, while its spire and pinnacles were rebuilt in 1929 after a lightning strike.