San Francesco della Scarpa
A 13th-century Franciscan church in Sulmona, known for its side façade overlooking a medieval aqueduct and a unique leaning bell tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
San Francesco della Scarpa
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 13th-century Franciscan church in Sulmona, known for its side façade overlooking a medieval aqueduct and a unique leaning bell tower.
"A historical gem with a unique side façade overlooking a medieval aqueduct and a charming leaning bell tower."
📸 Capture the Fresco
Don't miss the fresco of the Madonna and Child on the side façade; it's a beautiful detail to photograph.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with a walk along Corso Ovidio and Piazza Garibaldi to see Sulmona's squares and porticos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Side Façade & Aqueduct View
Overlooking the medieval aqueduct
Admire the 13th-century side façade with its majestic arch and fresco, set against the backdrop of the medieval aqueduct.
15th-Century Bell Tower
Adjacent to the church
Marvel at the unique leaning bell tower, a distinctive architectural feature dating back to the 15th century.
Majestic Portal
Main façade
Experience the grandeur of the church's majestic portal, offering panoramic views of the square and surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Fresco
Don't miss the fresco of the Madonna and Child on the side façade; it's a beautiful detail to photograph.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with a walk along Corso Ovidio and Piazza Garibaldi to see Sulmona's squares and porticos.
⛰️ Enjoy the Views
The panoramic position offers lovely views of the surrounding mountains – take a moment to soak them in.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Fresco
Don't miss the fresco of the Madonna and Child on the side façade; it's a beautiful detail to photograph.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with a walk along Corso Ovidio and Piazza Garibaldi to see Sulmona's squares and porticos.
⛰️ Enjoy the Views
The panoramic position offers lovely views of the surrounding mountains – take a moment to soak them in.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise San Francesco della Scarpa for its historical significance and unique architectural features, particularly its side façade overlooking the medieval aqueduct and its leaning bell tower. Its central location in Sulmona makes it an easily accessible and picturesque stop.
"Super"
Damir Fraisberger
"Historical church"
Andy D'Angelo
"Near Corso Ovidio and Piazza Garibaldi, stands the 13th-century church of San Francesco della Scarpa. The Franciscan complex's distinctive feature is its side façade, which overlooks the medieval aqueduct. Dating back to the original building, it features a majestic arch crowning the staircase and is embellished with a fresco in the lunette depicting the Madonna and Child between Saint Francis and Mary Magdalene. Next to it stands the 15th-century bell tower, built as a leaning tower."
Fiorentino Stornaiuolo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Francesco della Scarpa is located near Corso Ovidio and Piazza Garibaldi in Sulmona, making it easily accessible on foot within the town center. If arriving by car, look for parking near Piazza Garibaldi.
Yes, the church is centrally located and a pleasant walk from other key Sulmona sights like the main squares and the medieval aqueduct.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a historical church, entry to San Francesco della Scarpa is typically free. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific visiting hours or potential small fees for certain areas if applicable.
Opening hours for churches can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours when it's most likely to be open for visitors to appreciate its architecture and views.
Generally, churches like San Francesco della Scarpa do not have an admission fee, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical and architectural significance freely.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors are struck by the church's side façade, which overlooks the medieval aqueduct and features a beautiful fresco and a majestic arch. The leaning bell tower is also a unique sight.
Photography is usually permitted inside churches for personal use, but it's respectful to avoid flash photography, especially during services. Always check for any posted signs regarding photography rules.
Built in the early 13th century, it's one of the most imposing Franciscan churches in Abruzzo. It suffered damage in the 1706 earthquake but retains significant historical elements.
Look for the fresco depicting the Madonna and Child between Saint Francis and Mary Magdalene on the side façade, the majestic arch, and the 15th-century leaning bell tower.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, being located near Corso Ovidio and Piazza Garibaldi, you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and trattorias in the vicinity offering local Abruzzese cuisine.
Sulmona offers traditional Abruzzese dishes, often featuring pasta, lamb, and local produce. Don't forget to try the famous 'confetti' (sugared almonds) for which Sulmona is renowned.
📸 📸 Photography
The side façade with the aqueduct view, the leaning bell tower, and the panoramic views from the church's location are excellent for photography. The majestic portal also makes for a grand shot.
Morning light is ideal for capturing the details of the façade and the surrounding landscape. Late afternoon offers a warm, golden light for picturesque views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church itself is a quiet place of worship, the surrounding area provides more interactive elements. Consider making it a stop during a broader family walk through Sulmona, focusing on the visual aspects like the aqueduct and the unique tower. Pack some of Sulmona's famous confetti as a sweet treat to keep energy levels up during your exploration.
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
Pay close attention to the fresco and the majestic arch, as well as the 15th-century leaning bell tower. These elements offer insights into the artistic and engineering capabilities of different periods. The church's imposing Franciscan style and its panoramic setting further enhance its appeal to anyone interested in historical religious architecture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of San Francesco della Scarpa
Adjacent to the church stands the 15th-century bell tower, notable for its leaning structure, adding a unique visual element to the complex. The church's majestic portal on the remaining façade is also a significant draw, offering a grand entrance and contributing to the church's imposing presence. The panoramic position of the church provides not only architectural appreciation but also stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a visually rich experience.
Visitors often praise the church for its historical significance and its integration with the town's medieval landscape. The combination of its age, architectural quirks like the leaning tower, and the artistic details like the fresco make San Francesco della Scarpa a compelling stop for history and architecture enthusiasts exploring Sulmona.
Exploring Sulmona's Medieval Heart
Beyond the church, exploring Sulmona means wandering through its charming streets, discovering hidden courtyards, and admiring the characteristic porticos that line many of its thoroughfares. Piazza Garibaldi, the main square, is a hub of activity and a great starting point for any exploration. The town's rich history is palpable, from its ancient Roman roots to its medieval and Renaissance periods.
Combining a visit to San Francesco della Scarpa with a broader exploration of Sulmona offers a comprehensive experience of Abruzzo's cultural heritage. The town's beauty, combined with its culinary specialties like confetti, makes it a worthwhile destination for travelers seeking authentic Italian charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit