Church of San Francesco (San Ginesio)

History of the Church of San Francesco

Around the middle of the 11th century, Benedictine monks led by Bishop Attone I built the church on the oldest street in San Ginesio, Via Capocastello. In 1216 it passed to the Franciscan friars, who dedicated it to St. Francis in 1230. Under their care the building was restored and altered several times, until it reached the Romanesque-Gothic style it still has. It was later handed over to the Conventual Franciscans, who stayed until the Napoleonic suppression.

The church was also called the "chiesa dei comizi" (church of the assemblies), because the people of San Ginesio gathered there for important decisions and to elect the Priori (priors) of the Comune. The convent hosted figures such as Bernardino da Siena and Giacomo della Marca. In 1836 the Third Order Regular of St. Francis settled there. In 1861 the convent passed to the State and became the seat of the Comune (town hall).

The earthquake of September 26, 1997 caused the foundations of the apse and bell tower to give way. In 1999 the bell tower was braced with iron chains and the apse was consolidated. With the earthquakes of 2016 and 2017 the pediment collapsed and part of the roof fell inside. The perimeter walls and the apse were also damaged.

What to see in the Church of San Francesco

The 1240 portal is the oldest part of the facade and has Gothic decorations, such as twisted columns. It was retouched in the 18th century, when it took on a Neoclassical look. The Gothic apse has arches with large trefoil windows.

The interior has a rectangular, single-nave plan and is divided into three bays. Six Baroque altars, three on each side, open along the walls. It was altered in the 18th century by Padre Norberto Morichelli. The presbytery is entered through a triumphal arch.

There are many frescoes on pinkish plaster. In the chapel next to the presbytery are scenes from the life of St. Francis by the school of Giotto. The side chapels have frescoes of the Rimini school, some from the 14th century. In the first half of the 20th century Guglielmo Ciarlantini painted some decorations and a Baptism of Christ. Gentile da Fabriano and Andrea Boscoli are also recorded among the artists who decorated the church.

How to visit the Church of San Francesco

The post-earthquake safety work used glass fibers, special mortars, small pillars, wall partitions and buttresses, with a waterproof membrane against leaks. Before going, it is advisable to check accessibility. The phone number of the Comune is in the box on this page.

Where the Church of San Francesco is located

The church is in San Ginesio, in the province of Macerata. It was built on Via Capocastello, the oldest street in the town. Opposite stands a stately palazzo, given to the friars after 1861. The area was inhabited by the nobility.

Around the Church of San Francesco in San Ginesio

San Ginesio is also home to the Abbey of Santa Maria delle Macchie. Other churches in the area are gathered on the page churches of the Sibillini Mountains.