Nestled in the heart of Assisi, the Basilica di Santa Chiara, known locally as basilica di Santa Chiara, stands as a testament to the rich history and spiritual legacy of this enchanting Italian town. This remarkable Gothic structure, built between 1257 and 1265, is not only a place of worship but a monument to the life and devotion of Saint Clare of Assisi. As you wander through its sacred halls, you will find yourself transported back to a time of profound faith and artistic grandeur.
The basilica was constructed shortly after the death of Saint Clare, around the ancient church of San Giorgio, which once housed the remains of Saint Francis until 1230. The solemn consecration of the Basilica di Santa Chiara took place in 1265, graced by the presence of Pope Clement IV. The architectural genius behind this revered structure was Filippo da Campello, who designed a space that would resonate with Clare's spiritual journey and her profound connection to Saint Francis.
Initially created to serve the religious community of the Poor Clares, who lived in the nearby church of San Damiano, the basilica has undergone various transformations over the centuries. The crypt, which now holds the tomb of Saint Clare, was added in 1850, providing a serene resting place for the saint.
The Basilica di Santa Chiara is a striking example of Gothic architecture, echoing the style of the nearby Basilica of Saint Francis. Its exterior is adorned with alternating bands of pink and white stone, creating a visually captivating facade. Three robust flying buttresses on the left side of the building add both strength and elegance to the structure.
The entrance is marked by a grand portal, flanked by resting lions, leading to a lunette featuring a faded fresco by Giacomo Giorgetti. Above, a magnificent rose window with concentric rings of columns and arches draws the eye upward, culminating in a triangular pediment with a central oculus. On the side, a chapel with pink panels on a white background, added in the early 14th century, complements the basilica's aesthetic. The polygonal apse and the square-based bell tower, with its biforate windows and majestic spire, complete this architectural masterpiece.
Step inside, and you are greeted by a Latin cross layout with a single nave, a transept, and a polygonal apse. The arches of the vault rest on clustered pillars, with bare walls enlivened by a gallery above which slender windows let in soft, diffused light. Although many of the original frescoes depicting the life of Saint Clare were lost to time and earthquakes, remnants still whisper stories of her devotion.
Within the nave, the Chapel of Saint Agnes, dedicated to Clare's sister, stands out with its pentagonal shape and early 20th-century frescoes by Girolamo Marinelli. On the right, the Chapel of Saint George, part of the original San Giorgio church, is divided by a stained glass into two spaces, one of which is now the Chapel of the Sacrament. This chapel is adorned with frescoes by artists like Pace di Bartolo and Puccio Capanna, depicting scenes like the Annunciation and the Nativity.
Adjacent to this is the Oratory of the Crucifix or of the Relics, home to the original Crucifix of San Damiano, which spoke to Saint Francis. Here, you can also find relics of Saint Clare and Saint Francis, including garments and personal items, offering a tangible connection to these revered figures.
The crypt, added in the 19th century and later remodeled in neo-Gothic style, houses the urn with Saint Clare's remains. A small temple with an altar stands at the center, where visitors can gaze upon the stone sarcophagus that once held her body.
In the left transept, a mid-14th-century Nativity by an unknown master captivates visitors, alongside a panel of the Madonna and Child by the Master of Santa Chiara. The presbytery, with its Gothic columns and wrought iron gate, features a crucifix by the same master, while the expressive frescoes in the vaults depict allegorical scenes with pairs of saints, inspired by the Franciscan allegories of the lower Basilica of Assisi.
Behind the main altar, the basilica's organ, crafted in 1935 and restored in 1951, fills the space with its harmonious tones. The wooden casing, in neo-Gothic style, mirrors the architectural splendor of the basilica itself.
The adjoining Protomonastery of Santa Chiara, a cloistered convent, is an integral part of the basilica's history. Expanded over the centuries, it houses precious works like Puccio Capanna's Crucifixion and Four Saints, adding to the spiritual and artistic richness of this sacred place.
The Basilica di Santa Chiara is more than a historical monument; it is a living testament to the enduring faith and artistic heritage of Assisi. A visit here is not just a journey through history but an invitation to experience the serene beauty and profound spirituality that continue to inspire pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
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