San Francesco
A magnificent church on Ascoli Piceno's Piazza del Popolo, famed for its Gothic portal and unique 'musical' columns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
San Francesco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent church on Ascoli Piceno's Piazza del Popolo, famed for its Gothic portal and unique 'musical' columns.
"The church's exterior and the piazza are breathtaking, though interior renovations can be a drawback."
🎶 Tap the Columns!
Don't miss the unique 'musical' columns on the Gothic portal – tap them gently to hear their sound!
📸 Piazza Perfection
Piazza del Popolo is incredibly photogenic, especially with the church as a backdrop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Piazza del Popolo
Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno's stunning main square, framed by Renaissance palaces and the Church of San Francesco.
Gothic Portal
Church of San Francesco, Ascoli Piceno
An extraordinary portal with refined beauty and unique 'musical' stone columns that emit sound when tapped.
Loggia dei Mercanti
Piazza del Popolo, Ascoli Piceno
An elegant Gothic loggia that complements the church and adds to the square's architectural grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to San Francesco
Interior Access & Renovations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎶 Tap the Columns!
Don't miss the unique 'musical' columns on the Gothic portal – tap them gently to hear their sound!
📸 Piazza Perfection
Piazza del Popolo is incredibly photogenic, especially with the church as a backdrop.
🍽️ Local Flavors
Explore Ascoli Piceno for delicious local specialties like Olive Ascolane.
🚶♀️ Explore the Center
Wander through Ascoli Piceno's historic center, including Piazza Arringo.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎶 Tap the Columns!
Don't miss the unique 'musical' columns on the Gothic portal – tap them gently to hear their sound!
📸 Piazza Perfection
Piazza del Popolo is incredibly photogenic, especially with the church as a backdrop.
🍽️ Local Flavors
Explore Ascoli Piceno for delicious local specialties like Olive Ascolane.
🚶♀️ Explore the Center
Wander through Ascoli Piceno's historic center, including Piazza Arringo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently drawn to the stunning Piazza del Popolo and the impressive exterior of the Church of San Francesco, particularly its unique Gothic portal. However, many recent reviews mention that interior renovations may limit the viewing experience, leading to some disappointment.
"The church immediately attracts the attention of the visitor, because it sumptuously closes the north side of the beautiful Piazza del Popolo. Its twin bell towers, the dome, the seven apses, the Loggia dei Mercanti, the side portal in Gothic style are the elegant backdrop to the beautiful scenery that is the square and harmonize well with the other buildings that overlook it. The main portal is extraordinary, which surprised us with its refined beauty and the so-called musical or sounding columns. These, part of the decorations of the portal, all entirely in stone, if hit with the knuckles of the fingers emit a sound ... as if they were empty."
Roberto VILLANI
"The Church of San Francesco marks one side of the central square of Ascoli Piceno, Piazza del Popolo.
The building, begun in 1238, has a Latin plan divided into three naves and represents a beautiful example of the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style.
The main façade opens onto Via del Trivio, and is entirely composed of square blocks of travertine, in the lower part of which there are three Gothic portals of vague Venetian character. The central portal is the most interesting for its monumentality and the richness of the decorations.
The fresco, from the sixteenth century but reworked in the nineteenth century, of the lunette, depicts Saint John the Baptist, the Madonna and Saint Francis.
The two side portals are simpler
A second portal in travertine, of Gothic taste, overlooks Piazza del Popolo.
Above the Gothic portal, there is the monument to Pope Julius II, placed in the central niche.
The pontiff is seated on a throne and blessing; above, Christ, and in the lateral niches four Saints of the Order of Saint Francis.
The citizens of Ascoli erected this statue to Julius II, for having freed the city from the arrogance of the Guiderocchi, tyrant rulers.
Unfortunately, the church is undergoing renovation, so it was not possible to appreciate the interior, all covered by scaffolding and tarpaulins."
Cecilia G.
"A church with an impotent façade, flanked on the Piazza del Popolo side by the merchants' loggia. On the opposite side is a richly decorated portal. It's a shame that the interior is undergoing renovations and cannot be seen in its full magnificence."
luca merolla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of San Francesco is located in the heart of Ascoli Piceno, directly on the stunning Piazza del Popolo. You can reach Ascoli Piceno by train or bus. Once in the city, the piazza is easily walkable from most central locations.
Parking in the historic center of Ascoli Piceno can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking areas outside the immediate vicinity of Piazza del Popolo and walk in.
Ascoli Piceno is best explored on foot. The historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to fully appreciate its Renaissance architecture and charming squares like Piazza del Popolo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Church of San Francesco itself is typically free, though donations are appreciated. However, be aware that parts of the interior may be under renovation, potentially limiting access.
Opening hours for churches can vary. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire locally for the most current hours, especially considering potential renovation work.
A cloister is mentioned as being built next to the main structure. Information on public access to the cloister may vary, so it's best to inquire on-site.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The church's facade on Via del Trivio is made of travertine blocks with three Gothic portals. The main portal is particularly noteworthy for its monumentality and the unique 'musical' stone columns that emit sound when tapped.
A statue of Pope Julius II is located above the Gothic portal overlooking Piazza del Popolo. It was erected by the citizens of Ascoli to commemorate his role in freeing the city from tyranny.
Historically, the interior features a Latin plan with three naves and frescoes. However, recent reports indicate ongoing renovations, which may affect what is visible.
Piazza del Popolo is considered one of Italy's most beautiful squares, renowned for its travertine architecture, historic cafes like Caffè Meletti, and the imposing Church of San Francesco.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Piazza del Popolo offers fantastic photo opportunities, with the Church of San Francesco and its Gothic portal being prime subjects. The Loggia dei Mercanti also adds to the picturesque scene.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting on the travertine buildings of Piazza del Popolo, making for stunning photographs. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making a visit to Ascoli Piceno a broader family outing. The city offers other attractions, and the chance to try local specialties like Olive Ascolane can be a hit with younger palates.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the Gothic portal, including the famous sounding columns, and the overall grandeur of the piazza. The Loggia dei Mercanti provides excellent leading lines and architectural interest. Weekday mornings are ideal for capturing the square without the hustle and bustle of crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Piazza del Popolo
The highlight for many is the unique 'musical' or 'sounding' columns integrated into the main portal. These stone columns, when gently tapped, emit a distinct sound, a testament to the ingenuity of medieval craftsmanship. The piazza is further enhanced by the elegant Loggia dei Mercanti, which flanks the church and contributes to the square's overall grandeur.
While the exterior and the piazza are consistently praised, it's important to note that recent visitor experiences suggest the interior may be undergoing renovations. This can impact the ability to fully appreciate the church's internal artworks and structure. Always check for the latest information regarding interior access before your visit.
San Francesco: A Symbol of Faith and Art
+1Artists like Benozzo Gozzoli have immortalized scenes from his life, such as the 'Stories of the life of Saint Francis,' found in Montefalco.
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi holds the Porziuncola, a small church deeply connected to San Francesco's life and considered a significant Franciscan site. The concept of receiving the stigmata, as depicted in art, symbolizes a profound connection to Christ's suffering and love. +1Beyond visual arts, San Francesco's influence extends to music and literature. His 'Cantico delle Creature' (Canticle of the Creatures) has been set to music, celebrating his love for nature and all creation.
His life continues to be a subject of study and interpretation, exploring his role as a figure of peace, fraternity, and love for nature, and his enduring legacy as the patron saint of Italy. +2
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit