User Rating:
Not right?
Results 1-4of 4 Reviews
by italylover
St. Louis, Missouri
September 11, 2005
The interior is a typical Umbrian Gothic basilica, with an open, vast apse and medieval frescoes. A side chapel (actually it used to be its own church – San Giorgio – before the newer basilica was built) provides one of the most interesting relics in Assisi. As the story goes, St. Francis, the materialistic and worldly son of a wealthy Assisi family, was praying at the nearby church of San Damiano when the painted crucifix spoke to him, telling him to simplify his life and rebuild the Catholic Church. Francis took the message to heart, and the crucifix can now be seen in this otherwise unimpressive chapel at the Basilica di Santa Chiara. When I visited, the chapel was fairly empty and quiet. Many tourists hear that a cross spoke to Francis at San Damiano and go in search of it there (where there is now simply a replica), and consequently, this chapel remains a peaceful and meditative spot.
St. Clare's body (along with that of her sister, also a saint, and their mother) is now located in the crypt of the church, as are a series of relics related to Assisi's two most famous residents. Among the most impressive and moving are the robe of St. Francis, a garment that Clare herself sewed, and a letter written by Francis that bares his simple signature T-style cross.
From journal Assisi in a Day
by JulieHolm
Vienna, Virginia
January 5, 2005
As Masses were being said (it was Sunday morning), I did not linger longer. On a future visit to Assisi, I will.
From journal Pilgrimage to Assisi
by DrMaximus
Montreal, Quebec
November 3, 2001
From journal City of Saint Francis
by Library Dragon
Athens, Alabama
December 14, 2000
In this church one can see the Cross which spoke to St. Francis in San Damiano, his habit and the body of St. Clare.
From journal In the Steps of St. Francis