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The implementation of the Basilica Superiore di Assisi is a direct consequence of that was sull’Ordine succession in 1239 to Friar Elia of new fathers general of French origin.

Above the shape of Romanesque Lower Basilica was built a new Basilica in Gothic style, both made with the pink stone of Mount Subasio.

With the construction of the Basilica Superiore will complete the construction of the Basilica as a whole:

- The Lower Basilica monumental crypt intended to pilgrims and the veneration of relics to the Holy

- The Upper Basilica dedicated to official meetings and able to host, sitting on a throne reserved for him, even the Pope

The Basilica of St. Francis was officially inagurata by Pope Innocent IV in 1253.

The Lower and Upper Basilica are related through a scale located in the left transept.

Followed to achieve architectural decorations to Cimabue fresco first (1277) in the area of the left transept (Frescoes from 27 to 32) and Giotto (1296) with the start of the general pictorial cycle of “Tales of St. Francis,” composed 28 works (Frescoes from 3 to 16 and 33 to 46).

To these are added those frescoes executed on the transept and nave on the right hand representing the cycles of the New and the Old Testament (Frescoes 1 and 2 from 17 to 26) executed by various “Masters” of the time.

Complete the monumental work on the frescoes painted vaults of the nave and transept.

The earthquake of September 26 has seriously damaged the Basilica Superiore species in the area of the transept forcing more than two years before the closure.

Besides the frescoes transept of the earthquake seriously damaged the exterior of the transept gable.

Here are divided by the nave and transept of the titles of all the frescoes on display in the Basilica Superiore.

The second numbering in the tables reflect the windows narrating “The Story of San Francesco” according to the classic version of St. Bonaventure.

Two years after the death of St. Francis began the construction of the Basilica of San Francesco.

March 29 was 1228 when Simon of Pucciarello donated to Pope Gregory IX the top of the hill where the Colle dell’Inferno were carried out the death sentences.

The Rule of Franciscan Poverty was clear and then Pope Gregory IX accepted the donation and then “turn” in perpetual use to the Friars in the hands of Brother Elia successor of Saint Francis and Peter Cattani.

The hill immediately changed the name of taking the name Colle del Paradiso and on this hill, which they say was expressly stated by St. Francis in point of death, the great abbey was built.

First built what today we call the Lower Basilica ..

Its shape is in Lombard Romanesque style with a single aisle and a large transept.

At his execution Brother Elia, the great organizer, sovrintendette in person.

In the Lower Basilica are costudite since 1230 the mortal remains San Francesco.

The sad fate of the sarcophagus containing the body of the saint.

In fact, until 1400 the remains were exposed to the veneration of the faithful in a niches under the central altar. Then the body was concealed to prevent diversion from the nearby Perugia. It was concealed very well if it remained hidden until 1818. Currently the body of the saint is preserved in the small crypt under the central altar of the Basilica.

In addition, the four corners of the crypt, were placed the bodies of the Blessed Friars Angelo (1258), Leone (1271) [the confessor of St. Francis], from Marignano Massee (1280) and Rufino (1249) [cousin of Santa Chiara] and, along the staircase that leads to the Basilica crypt, the body of the Blessed [Brother] Jacopa of Settesoli Roman noblewoman wife Graziano of Frangipani.

The Basilica is beautifully painted with works attributed to Giotto, Cimabue or their students.
Italian