San Francesco

San Francesco is a Gothic church in central Modena featuring a brick facade with a large rose window and a sixteenth-century bell tower with an octagonal base. The interior displays the evolution of religious architecture through multiple artistic elements from different periods.

Construction began in 1244 when Franciscan friars moved their monastery from a flood-prone area outside the city to its current central location. The establishment at this site reflected the expansion of religious institutions in medieval Modena.

The left apse displays a terracotta sculpture group by Antonio Begarelli showing thirteen life-sized figures in a Deposition scene. This work reflects how local artists created powerful religious images for private devotion and public worship.

The church is accessible during standard visiting hours, allowing you to view the interior artworks and architectural features. Its central location makes it easy to combine your visit with other attractions in Modena.

A fountain next to the church depicts Saint Francis and was created by Giuseppe Graziosi. The adjacent seminary displays nineteenth-century architecture typical of Modena.

Location: Modena

Inception: 1244

Architectural style: Gothic art

Address: via Rua Frati Minori 19 ‒ Modena (MO)

Website: http://parrocchiasanfrancesco.net

GPS coordinates: 44.64346,10.92224

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:04