A large Franciscan Gothic church on the northeastern edge of the centre with Lorenzetti frescoes and a quiet piazza.
The Basilica of San Francesco was begun in 1326 and finished in the 15th century; it is a large single-nave Gothic church in brick. The interior has frescoes by Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti in the side chapels, painted around the 1330s, among their major works before the plague of 1348. The church burned in 1655 and was restored in the 19th century. The piazza in front is a peaceful spot compared with the Campo, and the building forms part of a short walk with the Oratorio di San Bernardino.
| Admission | Adult Free (donations welcome) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily with a midday break (reported); confirm locally |
| Typical visit | 30 minutes |
| Best time | Morning |
| Getting there | About 12 minutes on foot north-east of the Campo via Via dei Rossi |
| Address | Piazza San Francesco 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- quiet visits, art lovers
Location
Piazza San Francesco 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3224, 11.3349 View on map
Highlights
- Lorenzetti frescoes of the 1330s in the side chapels
- Large Gothic nave begun in 1326
- Quiet piazza
- Next to the Oratorio di San Bernardino
Tips for visiting
- Visit the adjoining Oratorio di San Bernardino and Museo Diocesano
- The piazza is calm and often empty
- Cover shoulders and knees
When to visit
Mid-morning.
Accessibility
Level main entrance; wide nave.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost to enter?
No, it is free.