Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi

Palermo


On a picture-perfect piazza, the much-amended Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi dates back to the 13th century. Remnants from its early history include the Romanesque facade, striking portal and left apse. The church's most interesting feature is the rare arch of the Cappella Mastrantonio (Chapel of Mastrantonio), carved in 1468 by Francesco Laurana and his protégé Pietro da Bonitate, and one of the only true examples of Renaissance art in Palermo.

Also notable are sculptures by the Gagini family, Giambattista Ragusa and Giacomo Serpotta.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Palermo attractions

1. Oratorio di San Lorenzo

0.04 MILES

The late-16th-century Oratory of St Lawrence features glorious stuccowork by master rococo sculptor Giacomo Serpotta. Capturing scenes from the lives of…

2. Palazzo Mirto

0.09 MILES

Just off Piazza Marina, this palazzo is one of the few in Palermo open to the public. Dating back to the 17th century, the building served as the Palermo…

3. Galleria d'Arte Moderna

0.1 MILES

This lovely, wheelchair-accessible museum is housed in a 15th-century palazzo, which metamorphosed into a convent in the 17th century. Divided over three…

4. Giardino Garibaldi

0.15 MILES

Surrounded on all sides by elegant palazzi, gentrified Piazza Marina is Palermo's quietest piazza, and its small Giardino Garibaldi encloses Palermo's…

5. Mercato della Vucciria

0.18 MILES

The underwhelming market here was once a notorious den of Mafia activity. It's a much more muted affair these days, outshone by its much more spirited…

6. Museo dell'Inquisizione

0.2 MILES

Housed in the lower floors and basements of 14th-century Palazzo Chiaromonte Steri, this fascinating museum explores the legacy of the Inquisition in…

8. Chiesa di San Domenico

0.24 MILES

The current Chiesa di San Domenico was built in 1640 following the design of architect Andrea Cirrincione; the facade was added in 1726 after the…