Anyone who studies St. Francis of Assisi, or St. Clare of Assisi needs to know about the key role of the Porziuncola. It is worth reading about ahead of time, or having a tour guide explain. It has the feeling of a very holy place. People seem to be in awe just walking by it with great respect.
Even for those who might not have a spiritual background, this special place is one that gives you a feeling of peace and well being.
This tiny chapel is remarkable. It is amazing to this that St. Francis himself rebuilt this tiny church by hand, and that you can walk inside and stand on the very same spot where he probably stood dozens of times. The chapel is beautiful, although spartan and tiny, the artwork (frescos on the front) is also exquisite. We took a short tour given by a monk of the cathedral that we enjoyed. Best place in Assisi to meditate when it's not busy / full of people. Best time to go is very early in the morning - 9 am or so.
Seeing is believing. I wasnt able to understand this porziuncula thing until i saw it. It is situated inside the basilica of St. Mary of the angels.
It's been years since I was here but remember it like it was yesterday. The tiny, ancient church protected by the basilica that was built around it. It was the most surreal and spiritual place I've ever been in. Stunning, starry sky ceiling in the chapel.
Very special place to visit when you're in Assisi. A bit off the beaten track but very worthwhile. Make sure to get a guide to take you so that you have the whole story.
The enormous monster of a church that encloses it, the painting that covers much of it, the barriers and the rules, leave almost nothing of the 'sense' of St Francis himself. Perhaps it was wrong to expect any. Perhaps it would have been wiser to go for a walk in the country, learning to love God's creation, mother earth and brother sun.
incrível ver essa pequena capela dentro da Basílica gigantesca. Mas o museo estava fechado,tenho certeza que perdi grandes coisa!
You shouldn't travel to Assisi and miss the Santa Maria degli Angeli Church. It was built around the Porziuncola Oratory, the church that St. Francis restored in his interpretation of Jesus' request to "repair my house." St. Clare took her vow of poverty here. It is amazing to see it in the midst of the 8th largest church in the world but exciting to find a place of such significance in the life of St. Francis.A lot of people probably skip this church because it is set off from the main part of the old Assisi town. It is worth the effort. And if you are taking the train to Assisi it is an easy (and flat!) walk from the train station.
St Francis little church protected by the basilica. A service was being held in the small church which was very intimate. Out the back of the basilica is a tribute to St Francis and in his hands is a nest that doves sit on. Well worth a visit!