The patriarchal basilica

Its slender and graceful silhouette stands out in the middle of the northern Umbrian valley and this is one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world.

It measures 75 meters in height from the top of the dome, and is 126 meters long and 65 meters wide. Construction began on March 25th, 1569 and the first stone was
laid by the Bishop of Assisi, Filippo Geri.
The plans were drawn up by the Perugia architect Galeazzo Alessi, who also got advice from Vignola and Giulio Danti. Work was not completed until 1679.

The base of the façade was laid towards the end of the sixteenth century and underwent extensive damage during the earthquake of 1832 and was then reconstructed
by Luigi Poletti.
The current façade, done in a neo-Renaissance style and featuring an arcade, was added during this century, between 1924 and 1930, and was designed by Cesare
Bazzani.
The golden statue of Our Lady of the Angels, the work of the sculptor Colasanti, was added in 1930. The statue received a great deal of attention in 1948, when many
pilgrims swore they saw it move. The square in front of the church was not completed until 1950 and was designed by the architect Nicolosi.
The dome, designed by Galeazzo Alessi, was completed in 1680 and it was also during this period that the bell tower was completed, with numerous modifications with
respect to the original plans.