The History

The Church of San Francesco in Cortona is one of the places of worship in the Tuscan village.

In the heart of Cortona stands the Church of San Francesco, a place rich in history, spirituality, and art, built in the mid-13th century in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi and his frequent stays in the town.

Its simple architecture reflects the typical Franciscan style, while inside it reveals a true treasure trove of art: from the elegant Annunciation by Pietro da Cortona to the evocative Virgin in Glory with Saints by Ciro Ferri, and the delicate Nativity by Raffaello Vanni.

The church also houses a precious relic: a fragment of the Cross of Christ, which, according to tradition, was brought from Constantinople by Friar Elias. The deep connection between Cortona and Saint Francis is further evidenced by several personal belongings of the saint preserved here, including his habit, the Gospel book, and a cushion.

Commissioned by Friar Elias, Saint Francis’s successor, the church began construction in 1247 on the remains of ancient Roman baths. Emphasizing its importance, Friar Elias himself was buried here, as well as the renowned Renaissance painter Luca Signorelli, whose remains rest inside the church.

Visiting the Church of San Francesco means immersing yourself in a place where art, faith, and history intertwine, offering a truly unique experience in the heart of Tuscany.

Curiosities

Il B&B San Francesco non è un semplice bed and breakfast, bensì è un luogo ricco di storia e di fascino.

It was right here that one of the most extraordinary testimonies of Italian music was created: the Laudario Cortonese, the oldest known collection of songs in the Italian vernacular, and the only one from the 13th century to have survived. Copied between 1270 and 1297, it belonged to the Brotherhood of Santa Maria delle Laude of the Church of San Francesco in Cortona, becoming a precious symbol of European musical culture.

In the 13th century, thanks to the Franciscans, the lauda became a powerful form of spiritual expression: simple popular songs that, through the figure of the minstrel, brought religious messages to the people, spreading the word of God within confraternities known as the “Laudesi.”

But the charm of B&B San Francesco doesn’t end there. The former convent was also home to Francesco Moneti, a 14th-century religious figure, astronomer, and writer. It was here that he would observe the night sky, nurturing his passion for the stars.

Today, that very room is known as the “Osservatorio,” a tribute to the man who once gazed at the heavens from this place steeped in history and wonder.