Patron Saint of Italy: St Francis of Assisi
St Francis of Assisi (c. 1181 – 1226) is the patron saint of Italy, animals, and the environment. He famously abandoned a life of wealth to embrace radical poverty, founding the Franciscan Order and transforming medieval Christian spirituality.
His picturesque home city of Assisi, located on a hilltop overlooking countryside in the Umbria region, remains a major global pilgrimage destination
The Basilica of San Francesco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the final resting place of St Francis. It is globally renowned for its two distinct stacked churches and dramatic frescoes by Giotto depicting the saint’s life.
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli located at the foot of the hill, is amassive basilica which encloses the Porziuncola, the tiny 4th-century chapel where Francis founded his order and later died.
Eremo delle Carceri is a secluded mountain hermitage nestled in the woods of Mount Subasio where Francis and his early followers retreated for silent prayer.
San Damiano is the rustic church where Francis experienced his religious conversion, hearing Christ speak from a crucifix, commanding him to “repair my church.”
Historic Legacy of St Francis
The Franciscan Order: Formally approved by Pope Innocent III in 1210, the Friars Minor focused on street preaching and living without any property.
The Canticle of the Sun: Composed by Francis in 1224, this poetic prayer praises God through nature (“Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon”) and is considered one of the earliest masterpieces of the Italian language.
The Christmas Crèche: Francis is credited with creating the very first live nativity scene in 1223 in the Italian village of Greccio, aiming to make Christ’s birth accessible to ordinary people.
Though he spent the majority of his life in the Umbria region of Italy, his missionary zeal and desire for peace led him to embark on several major international journeys during the 13th century. Saint Francis of Assisi travelled extensively throughout Italy, Spain, Eastern Europe, Egypt, and the Holy Land.
Destination: Italy
