Temple of San Francesco in Camerino

History of the Temple of San Francesco in Camerino

The church was founded in the 13th century in Romanesque-Gothic forms. In the Baroque period it was remodeled in ways that compromised its original appearance. Today it is deconsecrated and belongs to the municipality. In the past it housed the civic art gallery.

Next to the church stands the former convent, which is state property. From the late 19th century it was used as a barracks and later as a prison.

What to see in the Temple of San Francesco

The most striking feature of the medieval architecture is the polygonal apse, tall and pierced by windows. Some parts of the original portal and the early 15th-century frescoes also survive.

How to visit the Temple of San Francesco in Camerino

Since the church is deconsecrated and owned by the municipality, it is worth asking the Comune di Camerino whether it can be entered before planning a visit. The civic art gallery is no longer here: the Pinacoteca e Museo Civici (civic art gallery and museum) are in the former convent of San Domenico, which also houses the Museo delle Scienze (Science Museum).

Where the Temple of San Francesco is

The Temple of San Francesco is in Camerino, in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. The town lies at 661 m above sea level. In winter snowfall is frequent and often heavy, while summers are warm but rarely muggy.

Around the Temple of San Francesco in Camerino

Other places of worship can be visited in Camerino. The Basilica of San Venanzio has a Gothic facade with a portal and rose window, and its crypt holds the Arca di San Venanzio (the saint's tomb). The Tempio della Santissima Annunziata was built between 1493 and 1508. The altarpiece by Giambattista Tiepolo painted for the church of San Filippo is now on display in the Diocesan Museum of Camerino. Other places of worship in the area are on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.