The Monumental Complex of San Francesco, known locally as Complesso monumentale di San Francesco, is a stunning architectural gem nestled in the heart of Cuneo, Italy. This historic site, a testament to medieval architecture, has been a significant landmark since the 13th century when the Franciscan friars first established their presence here. Over the centuries, it has evolved and transformed, reflecting the rich tapestry of Cuneo's history and culture.
The origins of the Monumental Complex of San Francesco date back to the 13th century when Franciscan friars settled in this serene part of Cuneo. By the 15th century, the complex had become a pivotal center for the local community, with noble families contributing generously to its embellishment and expansion. The structure we see today is a beautiful amalgamation of various architectural styles and historical epochs.
In the late 18th century, a turbulent period began for the complex. Napoleon's army seized the building, expelling the friars and converting the church and convent into a military barracks. Many of the original furnishings were either sold or relocated to other religious buildings. Despite these upheavals, the site has managed to retain its historical essence, thanks to extensive restoration efforts in the 20th and 21st centuries.
By the end of the 13th century, the Franciscans had constructed a small chapel on this site. In the early 1400s, a new, larger church was built, becoming the centerpiece of the complex. Wealthy families and confraternities soon began to acquire patronage of the altars and decorate the chapels, resulting in a richly adorned and complete structure by 1583. The church's interior was a visual feast, with altars adorned with sacred icons and frescoed chapels.
The 17th century saw further enhancements, including the reconstruction of the cloister's portico and the addition of baroque-style chapels within the church. However, the Napoleonic era brought significant alterations, including the dispersal of many precious furnishings and the eventual abandonment of the convent by the Franciscan friars in 1851. The military district of Cuneo later established its headquarters in the cloister, using the church as a depot.
The facade of the church is a story of artistic evolution spanning half a century. In 1481, the Zabreri brothers of Pagliero delivered the stone portal adorned with city emblems, which are still visible today. Subsequent additions included terracotta decorative elements, cherubs, and candelabras. It is believed that a lunette once adorned the area above the portal, possibly depicting a Madonna on a throne or Saint Francis himself.
Inside, the church is divided into three naves, with the left side showcasing part of the archaeological excavations. A glass walkway allows visitors to view the remnants of the older church, highlighting the junction between the two constructions along the current perimeter wall. Recent excavations have uncovered two different flooring phases and numerous tombs, providing a glimpse into the site's medieval past.
The church's decorative cycle has been meticulously restored, revealing a wealth of artistic treasures. Pietro da Saluzzo's Storie della Passione from 1472 adorns the ceiling of the Cruciata, dedicated to the Confraternity of Santa Croce. Other notable frescoes include depictions of Saint Francis and Saint Bartholomew, as well as a series of quadrilobes featuring Christ and various saints in the chapel beneath the bell tower.
One of the most striking features of the church is the plaster cast of the 15th-century crucifix, originally housed in the terminal apse. This evocative piece, attributed to the sculptor Giacobino d'Ormea, captures the anatomical details of the dying Christ with a poignant sense of pathos.
The floor of the church is dotted with commemorative tombstones, including those of notable families like the Corvo and Malopera. The sepulchral and celebratory epitaph of Captain Massimiliano Corvo, complete with heraldic emblems, dates back to 1623 and occupies a prominent place in the church's left nave. Similarly, the tombstone of Knight Gasparre Malopera, dating from the mid-16th to late 17th centuries, is located near the Mocchia chapel in the right nave.
Since the 1980s, the Monumental Complex of San Francesco has been repurposed as a cultural venue, hosting the Museo Civico and various cultural activities. The extensive restoration and archaeological efforts, supported by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo, have ensured that this historical treasure continues to be a vibrant part of Cuneo's cultural landscape.
Today, visitors to the Monumental Complex of San Francesco can immerse themselves in centuries of history, art, and architecture. As you wander through its hallowed halls and admire the intricate frescoes, you can't help but feel a deep connection to the past and a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of this remarkable site.
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