
Church of San Francesco
A stunning Romanesque-Gothic church in Treviso, rich with 13th-century history, impressive frescoes, and the tombs of notable figures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Avoid crowds, find peace

Church of San Francesco
Best Time
Avoid crowds, find peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Romanesque-Gothic church in Treviso, rich with 13th-century history, impressive frescoes, and the tombs of notable figures.
"One of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen!"

🤫 Seek Quiet Moments
Visit early on weekdays for a peaceful experience. :church:
🖼️ Admire the Artistry
Don't miss the frescoes and tombs; they are artistic and historical treasures. :frame_photo:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gigantic St. Christopher Fresco
Left wall
A striking Romanesque-Byzantine artwork from the late 13th century, this massive fresco is a powerful visual anchor within the church.

Tombs of Notable Figures
Interior
Pay respects at the final resting places of Pietro Alighieri (son of Dante) and Francesca Petrarca (daughter of Petrarch).

Madonna with Child and Seven Saints Fresco
Giacomelli Chapel (first on left)
A masterpiece by Tommaso da Modena, this 1350 fresco exemplifies refined Gothic style and is a key artistic highlight.

Four Evangelists Frescoes
Vault of the main chapel
These 14th-century Venetian-Emilian school works, likely by a pupil of Tommaso da Modena, adorn the apse vault.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Understanding Its Rich History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Seek Quiet Moments
Visit early on weekdays for a peaceful experience. :church:
🖼️ Admire the Artistry
Don't miss the frescoes and tombs; they are artistic and historical treasures. :frame_photo:
🚶 Explore the Cloister
The quiet paradise court offers a moment of reflection. :park:
🎶 Listen for Music
Sometimes priests sing, creating a beautiful atmosphere. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Seek Quiet Moments
Visit early on weekdays for a peaceful experience. :church:
🖼️ Admire the Artistry
Don't miss the frescoes and tombs; they are artistic and historical treasures. :frame_photo:
🚶 Explore the Cloister
The quiet paradise court offers a moment of reflection. :park:
🎶 Listen for Music
Sometimes priests sing, creating a beautiful atmosphere. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Church of San Francesco for its beautiful Romanesque-Gothic architecture and deeply interesting history. Many highlight the impressive frescoes and the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of its cloister as particularly memorable aspects of their visit. It's considered a must-see in Treviso for its artistic and historical significance.
"A beautiful church built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Impressive both outside and inside. Her history is extremely interesting. In the early years of the thirteenth century the municipality of Treviso issued statutes that allowed the mendicant orders to settle inside the walls. A small group of Friars Minor, sent by Francis of Assisi himself, thus arrived in Treviso in 1216, and took up their headquarters in the north-east of the city center, in the area beyond the Cagnan Grande. In this area, which according to tradition was assigned to them by the powerful Da Camino family, the Franciscans built a simple monastery and a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The community soon became numerous and in 1231 the church and convent began to be built. In 1270 the buildings were completed. An important role in the endowment of the convent was played by Gherardo da Camino, an Italian leader and feudal lord. He is commonly considered the main exponent of the da Camino family. Being a church of regulars, in 1797 the church was occupied by the French and the conventual minor friars were expelled. In 1806 the convent was suppressed by the laws of the Kingdom of Italy. The church was thus used for military purposes and as a stable, while the two large cloisters were demolished. Only in 1928, after a restoration, was it reopened. The interior of the church is extremely beautiful in simplicity and is full of significant works by great masters of painting. On the left wall, there is a gigantic fresco depicting St. Christopher, a Romanesque-Byzantine work of the late thirteenth century. On the sails of the vault of the main chapel of the apse are the Four Evangelists, the Stigmata of St. Francis, a Madonna with Child and Adam, from the fourteenth-century Venetian-Emilian school, probably the work of a pupil of Tommaso da Modena. In the first chapel on the left (Giacomelli chapel) there is a work by Tommaso da Modena, the fresco of the Madonna with Child and seven saints (1350), a true artistic masterpiece of the church and testimony of the refined Gothic style of the Emilian master then active in city. In the second chapel on the left there is a fresco by the Maestro di Feltro, Madonna and four saints from 1351. The church houses the tombs of some famous people: Pietro Alighieri and Francesca Petrarca the most important. The first, son of Dante Alighieri, was a judge, poet and commentator residing in Verona who died in Treviso during a stay in 1364. The second, daughter of Francesco Petrarca, died in childbirth in 1384. From the church comes masterpice the „Sacred Conversation“ (1480) by Alvise Vivarini, and the „Meeting of Joachim and Anna with St. Louis IX and Santa Libera“ by Carpaccio today in the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice."
Asiyah Noemi Koso
"Beautiful place, you can spend a time in quiet paradise court."
David Cígler
"A must see in Treviso.
Here you can see the tomb of Petrarch's daughter."
Alex D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of San Francesco is located in the north-east of Treviso's city center, beyond the Cagnan Grande. It's easily accessible on foot from the main squares and is a pleasant walk from most accommodations in the historic center.
Parking in Treviso's historic center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages located just outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk to the church.
While the church is centrally located, local buses do serve the Treviso area. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop near the historic center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Church of San Francesco is generally free, allowing visitors to admire its architecture and art. Donations are often appreciated to help with upkeep.
Opening hours can vary, but the church is typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any specific closures or event schedules before your visit.
While the main church is usually free, any special exhibitions or specific areas might have an admission fee. It's best to inquire on-site if you're interested in these.
Yes, the cloister, often described as a 'quiet paradise court,' is usually accessible and offers a peaceful space for reflection.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Key artworks include the gigantic St. Christopher fresco on the left wall, the Four Evangelists on the apse vault, and Tommaso da Modena's 'Madonna with Child and Seven Saints' in the Giacomelli Chapel.
Indeed, the church houses the tombs of Pietro Alighieri, son of Dante Alighieri, and Francesca Petrarca, daughter of Petrarch.
The church is a beautiful example of the Romanesque-Gothic style, showcasing impressive architecture both inside and out.
Absolutely. Many visitors describe it as a place of 'quiet paradise' and appreciate its serene atmosphere, especially if visited during off-peak hours.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to check for any posted restrictions, especially during services.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities within the church itself. However, the surrounding historic center of Treviso offers numerous trattorias, cafes, and restaurants.
You'll find traditional Italian cuisine, with a focus on regional Veneto specialties. Look for local pasta dishes, seafood, and regional wines.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the grand St. Christopher fresco, the intricate details of the tombs, and the artistic frescoes in the chapels. The cloister also offers lovely photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and around religious sites. It's highly unlikely to be permitted and could lead to penalties.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the interior details without harsh shadows. Consider the angle of light on the frescoes.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
🎨 Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Artistic Masterpieces Within
Further artistic gems include the Giacomelli Chapel, featuring Tommaso da Modena's exquisite fresco of the 'Madonna with Child and Seven Saints' (1350), a prime example of refined Gothic artistry. The adjacent chapel showcases a fresco by the Maestro di Feltro, 'Madonna and Four Saints' (1351). These works collectively offer a profound glimpse into the artistic heritage preserved within the church's walls.
A Storied and Resilient History
However, the church's resilience was tested over centuries. In 1797, it was occupied by the French, leading to the expulsion of the friars and the suppression of the convent in 1806. The buildings were repurposed for military use, even serving as a stable, and its two large cloisters were demolished. It wasn't until 1928, after extensive restoration, that the church was reopened to the public, allowing its historical and artistic significance to be appreciated once more.
Notable Burials and Legacy
While masterpieces like Alvise Vivarini's 'Sacred Conversation' and Carpaccio's 'Meeting of Joachim and Anna with St. Louis IX and Santa Libera' are now housed in other prestigious collections like the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, their original home at San Francesco speaks to its historical role as a repository of significant art and a place of honor for influential figures.

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