We consider a very good idea starting our tour with the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, built in the XIII century and composed of two different complementary parts, the Upper Basilica and the Lower Basilica.
Once got through the beautiful oaken doors, sculpted by Niccolò da Gubbio, you will enter the lower Basilica; at the end of the aisle, you will admire the chapel of Saint Catherine, built by Cardinal Albornoz who is buried in it. You will admire the amazing sideways chapels painted by the likes of Giovanni da Cosma and Taddeo Gaddi; the vault in the aisle is a real masterpiece itself with frescoes achieved by several artists such as Simone Martini, Giotto and his art school.
Furthermore, at the end of the aisle, you will find the high altar standing on the tomb of Saint Francis on which four great frescoes, painted by Giotto, are at the centre of attention and which depict the three Virtues of the Franciscan Rule: Poverty, Obedience and Chastity.
In the lower Basilica there is the access to the crypt where there is the corpse of the Saint.
