Oratorio di San Bernardino
A 15th-century Renaissance gem featuring a breathtaking polychrome facade by Agostino di Duccio, offering a vibrant artistic experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Oratorio di San Bernardino
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century Renaissance gem featuring a breathtaking polychrome facade by Agostino di Duccio, offering a vibrant artistic experience.
"The polychrome Renaissance facade is absolutely stunning and a true masterpiece by Agostino di Duccio."
📸 Capture the Facade's Detail
Take your time to photograph the stunning polychrome facade; the intricate reliefs are best appreciated up close.
🚶♀️ Explore Piazza San Francesco
The oratory is adjacent to the Basilica of San Francesco. Explore both for a richer historical experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Polychrome Renaissance Facade
Piazza San Francesco
A breathtaking 15th-century facade by Agostino di Duccio, adorned with vibrant reliefs. A true Renaissance masterpiece.
Intricate Relief Sculptures
Facade
Marvel at the detailed bass-reliefs depicting biblical scenes and figures, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Gothic Interior Architecture
Interior
Experience the serene, three-bay Gothic interior, a striking contrast to the ornate exterior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Admire the Renaissance Facade
Respect the Local Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Facade's Detail
Take your time to photograph the stunning polychrome facade; the intricate reliefs are best appreciated up close.
🚶♀️ Explore Piazza San Francesco
The oratory is adjacent to the Basilica of San Francesco. Explore both for a richer historical experience.
🤫 Be Mindful of Noise
While the piazza can be lively, try to maintain a respectful atmosphere around the sacred site.
✨ Admire Agostino di Duccio's Work
The facade is a prime example of Agostino di Duccio's unique style, known for its delicate and expressive figures.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Facade's Detail
Take your time to photograph the stunning polychrome facade; the intricate reliefs are best appreciated up close.
🚶♀️ Explore Piazza San Francesco
The oratory is adjacent to the Basilica of San Francesco. Explore both for a richer historical experience.
🤫 Be Mindful of Noise
While the piazza can be lively, try to maintain a respectful atmosphere around the sacred site.
✨ Admire Agostino di Duccio's Work
The facade is a prime example of Agostino di Duccio's unique style, known for its delicate and expressive figures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Oratorio di San Bernardino for its absolutely stunning and unique polychrome Renaissance facade, a true masterpiece by Agostino di Duccio. The intricate reliefs are a major highlight. However, some reviews mention that the surrounding piazza can be less pristine and occasionally disturbed by local youth, which can detract from the overall experience.
"This beautiful oratory is located on the Piazza San Francesco next to the basilica of San Francesco. It is awe inspiring to stand in front of a building completed in 1452, and its relief facade (completed in 1461) is stunning. Unfortunately, the "piazza" is a small patch of dirty brown grass, and the building's beauty is marred by loud, obnoxious kids that hang out there all day and night."
Jaquiline Rancoon
"Stunning facade"
SeasiderTom
"polychrome Renaissance façade from 1461"
Kent Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oratorio di San Bernardino is located in Perugia, Italy, on Piazza San Francesco. It's easily accessible on foot within the historic center. If arriving by car, look for parking garages near the city center and walk the rest of the way.
Parking in Perugia's historic center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages like the Partigiani or Piazza Partigiani and then walk or use escalators to reach the oratory.
Yes, Perugia has a good public transport system. Buses will take you close to the historic center, from where you can walk to Piazza San Francesco.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Oratorio di San Bernardino is generally free, allowing visitors to admire its stunning facade. However, it's always a good idea to check for any special exhibition fees or opening hours.
Opening hours can vary, especially outside peak tourist season. It's best to check local listings or the official tourism website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The oratory is typically open during daylight hours, but it may have reduced hours or be closed on certain holidays. Confirming hours in advance is recommended.
Yes, visitors can usually access the interior of the Oratorio di San Bernardino to see its Gothic architecture.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Oratorio di San Bernardino, but it's always wise to be discreet and respectful of other visitors. Flash photography might be restricted to protect the artwork.
The facade is stunning at any time, but late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light that enhances the colors and textures of the polychrome reliefs.
Try capturing the facade from a slight distance to get the full scope, and then move closer to focus on the intricate details of the individual reliefs.
🎫 🏛️ History & Art
The magnificent polychrome facade was designed and sculpted by Agostino di Duccio between 1457 and 1461.
The facade is a prime example of Renaissance art, while the interior features a Gothic architectural style with three naves.
The oratory is renowned for its vibrant polychrome facade with detailed bass-reliefs by Agostino di Duccio and its serene Gothic interior. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a quick stop as part of a larger exploration of Perugia. The contrast between the ornate exterior and the simpler Gothic interior might also be an interesting point of discussion for younger minds. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly at the oratory might be limited.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
+1Beyond the facade, the Gothic interior provides a fascinating architectural contrast. Exploring this oratory offers a comprehensive understanding of the artistic and stylistic shifts of the era. It's a chance to witness a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire awe. Don't miss the opportunity to study the craftsmanship and the narrative embedded within the artwork.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Masterpiece Facade by Agostino di Duccio
This facade is not just a beautiful exterior; it's a narrative in stone. Each relief tells a story, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. The use of color, though faded over centuries, still hints at its original splendor. The Oratorio di San Bernardino's facade is considered one of the most significant examples of Quattrocento sculpture and a must-see for art and history enthusiasts. It's a piece that truly comes alive when you stand before it, allowing you to appreciate the skill and vision of its creator.
+1Experiencing the Facade
When visiting, take your time to walk along the facade, observing the different panels and the way light plays on the sculpted surfaces. Some visitors suggest visiting at different times of the day to see how the light changes the appearance of the colors and shadows. While the surrounding piazza might be a mix of historical significance and local life, the facade itself remains a serene and awe-inspiring work of art.
A Glimpse Inside: The Gothic Interior
The Gothic design, with its characteristic pointed arches and ribbed vaults, lends a serene and almost ethereal atmosphere to the space. While the exterior is a riot of color and intricate detail, the interior focuses on structural beauty and a more subdued aesthetic. It's a space designed for reflection and spiritual engagement, allowing visitors to appreciate a different facet of the oratory's historical and artistic significance.
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