St Francesco

Facing onto Piazza Martiri on 7 July, the Church of San Francesco, built on a primary plant from 1272, was rebuilt between 1709 and 1725 to a design by arch. G. Maria Ferraroni. On the facade there is a mosaic work of 5 x 5 meters made of polychrome Venetian enamels, depicting Saint Francis receiving the stigmata This work was made in 1942 by the "Studio del Mosaico" in Rome, replacing a fresco by Giuseppe Antonio Caccioli (Bologna 1642-1740) and after the painter Ottorino Davoli (Reggio E. 1888-1945) had attempted a test. fresco, extremely unhappy success. Today, at the date of publication of this writing, the mosaic has several points visible to the naked eye from the road surface, in which the tiles have come off showing the gray color of the bedding mortar. It would require a diligent restoration and eventual consolidation of those tiles which, although still present in the work, are visibly disengaged from the bed.

The church is beautiful, located in an excellent architectural setting, next to the museums, the Municipal theater and Piazza della Vittoria. It is a pity that by now it is almost useless, since there are no longer faithful who frequent it

Council to participate in the Holy Mass and guided adoration .. From 12.30 to 1430 approximately every Wednesday !!!

I remember seeing her many years ago. I was impressed not only by the interiors but also by the Venetian terracotta floor. Someone explained to me that it was a very special technique that produced particular chromatic effects in the cotto tile. Later it was closed. Currently I think it is difficult to visit.

Beautiful church, but unfortunately closed for visits .. a real shame. The facade is very beautiful and the position in which it is located in Piazza dei Martiri is suggestive: you find it in front of you, in an almost unexpected way. The fresco of San Francesco impresses a lot and attracts the eye both for the colors and for the position in which it was painted. It is a pity not to be able to see the interior and to be able to fully appreciate it.