San Francesco, Gothic church in central Modena, Italy.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Modena).
Modena Cathedral
414 m
Torre della Ghirlandina
431 m
Piazza Grande
383 m
Bible of Borso d'Este
524 m
Palazzo comunale
408 m
San Pietro Church
448 m
La Bonissima
383 m
Mercato Albinelli
306 m
Sant'Agostino, Modena
479 m
Museo del Risorgimento
474 m
Chiesa del Voto
478 m
Palazzo dei Musei
540 m
Museo Lapidario Estense
542 m
San Bartolomeo
283 m
Museums of the Modena Cathedral
424 m
San Barnaba, Modena
236 m
San Paolo
174 m
Church of Saint John the Baptist
482 m
Manà
396 m
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
412 m
Santa Maria delle Assi Church
432 m
Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia
407 m
Fontana della ninfa
131 m
Fontana di San Francesco
22 m
Palazzina del Mulino di San Pietro
350 m
Archbishop's Palace
371 m
Monumento ad Alessandro Tassoni
457 m
Monumento a Ludovico Antonio Muratori
510 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes