Chiesa di San Francesco - Image 1
1 / 3

Chiesa di San Francesco

3.4
·7 reviews·Acquapendente, Italy

Discover a unique church with a submerged crypt where fish swim, and stand where Dante Alighieri's funeral was held.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Unique experience awaits

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Chiesa di San Francesco - Image 1

Chiesa di San Francesco

Best Time

Anytime

Unique experience awaits

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a unique church with a submerged crypt where fish swim, and stand where Dante Alighieri's funeral was held. TikTok+1

3.4
(7 reviews)

"A submerged crypt where fish swim among ancient columns is a truly magical and unforgettable sight! TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐠 See the Fish!

A small fee illuminates the crypt, making the swimming fish a magical sight. :dollar:

🏛️ Historical Heart

Located near Dante's Tomb, it's a key historical site in Ravenna. :map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Submerged Crypt

Submerged Crypt

Underneath the Basilica

Witness fish swimming in a crypt, a truly unique and unforgettable sight. A small fee illuminates this magical space.

TikTok
Dante's Funeral Site

Dante's Funeral Site

Main Basilica

Stand in the place where the funeral of the great poet Dante Alighieri was held. Feel the weight of history.

TikTok
17th-Century Cloister

17th-Century Cloister

Adjacent Cloister

Enjoy the tranquility of a beautifully restored 17th-century cloister, a peaceful escape within the complex.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

The Submerged Crypt

Don't miss the unique submerged crypt where fish swim among ancient columns. Access is free, with a small fee to illuminate the space for a magical view. TikTok+1

Historical Significance

This basilica holds deep historical importance, having hosted the funeral of Dante Alighieri. Explore its rich past in the heart of Ravenna. TikTok

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Unique experience awaits
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Best for crypt illumination
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇮🇹A Ravenna c’è una chiesa dove si possono vedere nuotare i pesci! Non ci credete? ⛪️La Basilica di San Francesco è uno dei luoghi storici più importanti della città. Si trova in pieno centro, nell’omonima piazza, vicino alla Tomba di Dante. ✝️Qui sono stati celebrati i funerali del Sommo Poeta! 🤩Ma l’elemento più incredibile di questa chiesa è nascosto sotto l’altare. 💧Qui c’è una cripta che si t...
@viaggieparaggi
167 likes • 4K views

🐠 See the Fish!

A small fee illuminates the crypt, making the swimming fish a magical sight. TikTok :dollar:

🏛️ Historical Heart

Located near Dante's Tomb, it's a key historical site in Ravenna. TikTok :map:

Una cripta sommersa 💦 dove i pesci 🐟 nuotano tra colonne antiche?! Si trova sotto la Basilica di San Francesco. L’accesso è gratuito e ti basterà un euro per vederla illuminata. 💡 Ci troviamo alla📍 Basilica di San Francesco a Ravenna #ravenna #curiosita #ideaweekend #chiesasommersa #emiliaromagna
@weekend_dipendenti
242 likes • 8.1K views
#caltanissetta #adesso Chiesa San Francesco 😳👋
@graziani_official
323 likes • 12.5K views

🕊️ Peaceful Cloister

The restored 17th-century cloister offers a serene atmosphere. Reddit :park:

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

🐠 See the Fish!

A small fee illuminates the crypt, making the swimming fish a magical sight. TikTok :dollar:

🏛️ Historical Heart

Located near Dante's Tomb, it's a key historical site in Ravenna. TikTok :map:

🕊️ Peaceful Cloister

The restored 17th-century cloister offers a serene atmosphere. Reddit :park:

What Travellers Say

3.4
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently amazed by the unique submerged crypt where fish swim among ancient columns, calling it a magical and unforgettable sight. The basilica's historical significance, particularly its connection to Dante Alighieri, is also highly appreciated, alongside the peaceful 17th-century cloister. Some reviews mention modern art elements, which can be a surprise for those expecting a purely historical site.

"It was a bit of a surprise to find modern art inside this building and a large mural on the outside on the building next door"

Seimen Burum

"An interesting motorship building, extensively restored inside. The 17th-century cloister is very pleasant."

Patrizia Martinelli

"Franciscan complex still well preserved"

Massimo Bedini

What People Like

Unique submerged crypt
Dante's funeral site
Restored cloister

What People Dislike

Unexpected modern art

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chiesa di San Francesco is centrally located in Piazza San Francesco, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of Ravenna's historic center. If arriving by car, park in one of the nearby public parking lots and walk. TikTok

Yes, it's very close to Dante's Tomb and the center of Ravenna, making it convenient to combine with other sightseeing. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main basilica is generally free. However, there is a small fee to illuminate the submerged crypt, which is highly recommended for the best experience. TikTok

Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or online for the most up-to-date information, especially for the crypt illumination times. TikTok

Absolutely! The submerged crypt is a highlight and accessible with a small fee to activate the lighting. TikTok

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The most unique feature is its submerged crypt where fish swim among the ancient columns. It's also historically significant as the site of Dante Alighieri's funeral. TikTok+1

Inside, you'll find historical architecture and the entrance to the famous submerged crypt. The adjacent cloister is also a notable feature. Reddit

The crypt is naturally prone to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to water sources, creating its unique submerged state. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the basilica, but it's always good practice to be respectful and check for any specific signage regarding flash or tripod use. TikTok

Use a phone with good low-light capabilities or a camera with a wide aperture. The illumination fee helps, but capturing the movement of the fish can be tricky. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The submerged crypt is a guaranteed hit with children, offering a fascinating glimpse of fish swimming in an unexpected place. It's a unique and engaging experience that can spark curiosity about marine life and history. The small fee for illumination is well worth the wonder it provides. TikTok

While the historical aspects might be less engaging for very young children, the visual spectacle of the crypt is universally appealing. The nearby Piazza San Francesco also offers space for kids to move around before or after the visit. Consider it a quick, impactful stop that adds a memorable element to your family's Ravenna itinerary.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by Italian history, the Chiesa di San Francesco is a pilgrimage site. Its connection to Dante Alighieri, specifically hosting his funeral, is a major draw. Exploring the basilica allows you to connect with a pivotal moment in Italian literary and historical legacy. TikTok

Beyond Dante, the 17th-century cloister offers a glimpse into Franciscan monastic life and architectural preservation. The very existence of the submerged crypt also speaks to the unique geological and historical context of Ravenna, making it a multi-layered historical experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enigmatic Submerged Crypt

The most talked-about feature of the Chiesa di San Francesco is undoubtedly its submerged crypt. This unique space, located beneath the main church, is often filled with water, allowing small fish to swim freely among the ancient columns and architectural remnants. Visitors can pay a small fee to have the crypt illuminated, transforming it into a mesmerizing, almost surreal, underwater sanctuary. The sight of fish gracefully navigating this historic space is a truly unforgettable experience, making it a must-see for any visitor to Ravenna. TikTok

This phenomenon is a result of the crypt's low elevation and the natural water table in the area. While it might seem unusual, it has become a celebrated and iconic aspect of the basilica, drawing curious travelers eager to witness this natural wonder. The contrast between the sacred architecture and the living aquatic life creates a powerful and memorable impression. TikTok

Historical and Artistic Significance

Beyond its famous crypt, the Basilica di San Francesco is a site of profound historical importance in Ravenna. It is renowned for being the location where the funeral rites for the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri were held in 1321. Standing within its walls, one can feel the echoes of centuries of history and cultural significance. The basilica itself showcases typical Franciscan architectural elements, reflecting its religious heritage. TikTok

The complex also includes a 17th-century cloister, which has been extensively restored. This cloister offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, providing a peaceful contrast to the historical weight of the church. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and appreciating the architectural beauty of the Franciscan order's presence in Ravenna. Reddit

You may also like