Chiesa di San Francesco Sansepolcro
A 14th-century Gothic church housing Piero della Francesca's masterpiece frescoes, offering a blend of medieval exterior and 18th-century interior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer school groups, peaceful viewing
Chiesa di San Francesco Sansepolcro
Best Time
Fewer school groups, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century Gothic church housing Piero della Francesca's masterpiece frescoes, offering a blend of medieval exterior and 18th-century interior.
"Admire the stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca, illustrating the history of the True Cross. A must-see for art lovers."
📸 Photography Rules
Check current photography policies inside; flash is often prohibited to protect artworks. :iphone:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
A quick visit is about 20 mins, but art lovers may want longer to absorb the frescoes. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Piero della Francesca's Masterpieces
Interior
Admire the stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca, illustrating the history of the True Cross. A must-see for art lovers.
Gothic Façade
Exterior
Marvel at the 14th-century Gothic exterior, featuring a beautiful splayed portal and an oculus that lights the interior.
18th-Century Interior Renovation
Interior
Experience the contrast between the historic exterior and the 18th-century renovated interior with its hemicycle choir and well-structured vault.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Artistic Treasures Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Rules
Check current photography policies inside; flash is often prohibited to protect artworks. :iphone:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
A quick visit is about 20 mins, but art lovers may want longer to absorb the frescoes. :clock1:
📍 Location Convenience
Easily accessible, near Piero della Francesca's house and Santa Maria delle Grazie. :round_pushpin:
🖼️ Art Appreciation
Focus on Piero della Francesca's frescoes; they are the main artistic draw. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Rules
Check current photography policies inside; flash is often prohibited to protect artworks. :iphone:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
A quick visit is about 20 mins, but art lovers may want longer to absorb the frescoes. :clock1:
📍 Location Convenience
Easily accessible, near Piero della Francesca's house and Santa Maria delle Grazie. :round_pushpin:
🖼️ Art Appreciation
Focus on Piero della Francesca's frescoes; they are the main artistic draw. :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the church's beautiful Gothic exterior and the breathtaking frescoes by Piero della Francesca, calling them a highlight of Renaissance art. The interior's 18th-century renovations offer a contrasting, yet appreciated, architectural experience. Some note frequent school visits, which can impact the atmosphere.
"Beautiful."
DAVID SNYDER
"The fourteenth-century exterior, with a façade and a beautiful splayed portal, in Gothic style with a trefoil arch and an oculus that provides light inside, intrigues the traveler who, upon crossing the entrance, is surprised, since the architectural appearance is completely different.
In fact, the changes made to the ancient architectural appearance of the interior date back to the 18th century, which today give us a totally renovated church of San Francesco, with a hemicycle choir and a well-structured vault, albeit with interesting 17th-century pictorial decorations."
Michele Soldovieri
"Beautiful church with an imposing façade and an interior full of wonderful paintings by Piero della Francesca that illustrate the true history of the cross. Beautiful ceiling with wooden truss. In the center of Arezzo in a lively square. Many school visits. Service inside the church is carried out by knowledgeable and kind staff."
Giovanna Tarlazzi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is centrally located in Sansepolcro, making it easily accessible on foot if you are already in the town center. It's situated near Piero della Francesca's house and Santa Maria delle Grazie. Parking might be available in nearby public lots, but walking is recommended for the best experience of the town.
While the exterior and main nave are generally accessible, older buildings can have limitations. It's advisable to contact the church directly for specific accessibility information regarding ramps or any potential barriers within the interior.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, entry to churches like San Francesco is free, though donations are appreciated. However, special exhibitions or guided tours might have associated costs. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
Opening hours for churches can vary seasonally and may be affected by religious services. Generally, they are open during daylight hours, but it's recommended to check for specific times closer to your visit, especially on Sundays or holidays.
Photography policies can differ. While many churches allow non-flash photography, it's crucial to respect any posted signs or requests from staff to protect the artworks, especially frescoes.
🎫 🖼️ Art & History
The church is most famous for its frescoes by Piero della Francesca, which depict the 'Legend of the True Cross.' The interior also features altars with paintings of significant artistic value and a statue of Saint Anthony of Padua.
The church boasts a 14th-century Gothic exterior with a distinctive splayed portal. The interior, however, underwent significant renovations in the 18th century, giving it a different architectural feel with a hemicycle choir and a structured vault.
The church was commissioned in the 13th century by the Franciscan friar Thomas of Spello. It was later administered by the Friars Minor Conventual for many years.
The church and its bell tower underwent major structural restoration after the 1948 earthquake. It has also seen centuries of administration by various Franciscan orders.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
A brief visit can take around twenty minutes to see the main features. However, if you wish to thoroughly appreciate the frescoes by Piero della Francesca and the interior details, you might want to allocate closer to an hour.
While not always advertised, guided tours might be available, especially for groups or during peak tourist seasons. Inquiring at the church or local tourist information centers can provide details on availability and booking.
The church can experience many school visits, so it might be crowded during weekdays, especially in the mornings. Visiting during off-peak hours like weekday afternoons or early mornings can offer a more peaceful experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual spectacle of the Gothic façade and the contrast with the interior. Keep the visit relatively short, perhaps around 30-45 minutes, to maintain children's attention. Many school groups visit, so if possible, try to go during quieter times to avoid overwhelming younger visitors.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Beyond the frescoes, take time to appreciate the architectural transition from the Gothic exterior to the 18th-century interior. Researching the history of the Franciscan order's presence in Sansepolcro and the impact of events like the 1948 earthquake can add significant depth to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Legacy of Piero della Francesca
These frescoes were a significant undertaking, and their preservation is a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect such invaluable cultural heritage. The church's interior, despite its 18th-century renovations, serves as a fitting, albeit contrasting, backdrop to these timeless artistic achievements. The vivid colors and the solemnity of the scenes continue to captivate audiences centuries later, making a visit to this church a deeply enriching artistic experience.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate not just the grand narrative but also the subtle nuances in composition and the emotional depth of the figures. The way light is rendered, a hallmark of della Francesca's style, adds another layer of complexity and beauty to the viewing experience. It’s a chance to connect with a pivotal moment in art history.
Architectural Evolution: Gothic to Baroque Influences
However, upon entering, visitors are met with a space transformed by 18th-century renovations. The interior was significantly altered to reflect the Baroque and Rococo sensibilities of the era, featuring a hemicycle choir and a well-structured vault. This transformation created a more ornate and perhaps more intimate atmosphere compared to the starker Gothic exterior. The contrast highlights how the church has adapted to changing artistic tastes and functional needs over the centuries.
This duality in architectural style—from the medieval Gothic to the later Baroque-influenced interior—offers a unique perspective on the building's history. It’s a visual timeline of Sansepolcro's development and the evolving architectural trends in Italy. The preservation of both the original Gothic elements and the later Baroque embellishments makes the church a rich site for architectural appreciation.
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