Basilica of St. Clare

Hystory of the Church

It is located in the Square of St. Clare and was built over the church of St. George that was so greatly loved by both St. Francis and St. Clare. St. Francis was originally
buried here following his death at the Porziuncola and he was also canonized here. His remains were safeguarded here for four years before being transferred to the
new basilica.
St. Clare was also very attached to the church of St. George and was buried here as well.
The Basilica of St. Clare was built in 1257 and was done in the Italian Gothic style, which is also known as the "Franciscan" style. It was consecrated in 1265.
The façade, which is quite simple, is made of pink and white stone alternated in horizontal lines. There are two stone lions on the sides of the portal.
In the middle section is the lovely rose window (image) composed of concentric circles with small columns.
The triangular upper section has a circular opening.
In order to ensure the stability of the basilica, three flying buttresses were added to the exterior (three other buttresses are incorporated within the structure of the
convent) during the fourteenth century, but they do not detract from the church’s charm.
The bell tower, located to the left of the apse, has a square layout. The church was designed by Brother Philip of Campello.

The Interior

It has a single Gothic-style nave with cross vaults. The nave is quite stark, although fragments of frescoes are visible on the left-hand side of the entrance. Inside the

church is the Chapel of the Crucifix (part of the ancient church of St. George) and here, on the left, is the twelfth-century Crucifix (image) that spoke to St. Francis
while he was praying at St. Damian’s. The crucifix was brought here by the Poor Clares.

Tavola of St. Clare

The tavola is the work of the St. Clare Master and dates to the thirteenth century. It is a portrait of St. Clare and the eight insets along the sides depict the most
important events in the life of the saint. The tavola should be viewed starting from the bottom left. Here, we can see Bishop Guido as he hands an olive branch to St.
Clare. This is followed, in order, by the scenes showing St. Clare being taken in by the friars at the Porziuncola, her taking of the veil and her father’s attempt to force
her to abandon her intention of taking her vows. On the right is Agnes, who is being held back from following her sister Clare, the scene in which a cross appears on a
loaf of bread before th e Pope’s eyes, the saint on her deathbed and her funeral, which was attended by the Pope.

The frescoes in the vault

The vault was also frescoed by the St. Clare Master.

Relics of St. Francis and St. Clare

Nativity

Crypt

The crypt was built between 1850 and 1872 and it hold the saint’s body. St. Clare’s remains were discovered in the sepulcher under the altar in 1850.

The mask covering the saint’s face, as well as her hands and feet, were recently redone in resin to preserve her body from further deterioration. The sepulcher in which
the saint was originally buried can be seen at the top of a very narrow staircase.