Basilica of Saint Francis

The Basilica di San Francesco is a Gothic mendicant church in the eastern quarter of Siena's historic center, dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. A Franciscan community was established on the site in the 13th century; the present structure took substantial shape from 1475 onward and is classified as an Italian national monument. Its interior reflects the Franciscan ideal of poverty — broad, relatively unadorned, and austere compared to the ornate Gothic of the nearby cathedral. The church retains frescoes from the Sienese school, including works attributed to the circle of Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, making it a quiet but rewarding stop for anyone tracing the development of 14th-century Italian painting. Open daily 07:30–12:00 and 15:30–19:00, it remains an active place of worship.