Chiesa Nuova di San Francesco Convertito

Great stop on the Francis journey. See where he was raised, held prisoner by his father, and get a deeper sense of the challenges they faced as a family. So nice to see his parents honoured with a statue. The art in the church is wonderful. Make sure you go around downstairs to see the original home/shop. They have some modern art there that is gorgeous. Definitely worth the bit of effort to find. A nice quiet spot.

This church is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever visited. While staying in Assisi with friends for a week, I was able to sit alone in this beautiful place to study and admire all of the breathtaking frescoes. They are truly magnificent. Thinking of the great saint who once had lived in this place and had walked the same roads I just did was a moment I cherish.

On Nov. 14, 2021, made an effort to imagine how St. Francis lived here as a boy and young man some 800 years or so ago. Inside Chiesa Nuova, there is a tiny cell with a statue, where St. Francis was said to have been beaten and bound in chain by his father. Close by, towards St. Clare's Basilica, is a low arch with steps leading down to the place where he was born and spent his childood.

A beautiful church built on the remaining walls of San Francesco's parents' house. The church definitely invites the visitor to thoughtful reflection and meditation, if so desired. The note of Francis (in one of my pictures) is posted outside the main entrance to the church. Going down the stairs outside at the left side of the church leads you to a small chapel that used to be a storage room in the paternal house.

The church built above the filial home of St. Francis.

The church is built on the site of St Francis home. You can still visit the original cellars. The church is almost completely covered in frescoes and remarkably quiet (we arrived early at 08:30)

Beautiful interior with interesting frescoes and other works of art.

In 2010, we celebrated our 52nd anniversary in Italy. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the city of Assisi where we stayed at the Hotel Alexander. We were hoping for a room with a beautiful view, but instead the view was blocked entirely by the huge dome of the "New Church" next door. Then we realized that this WAS the beautiful view! What more could you want than a magnificent ancient dome almost within touching distance! Wonderful memories.