Basilica di San Francesco
The Franciscan basilica of Arezzo, famous for the fresco cycle of the Legend of the True Cross painted by Piero della Francesca in the Bacci chapel.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Franciscans settled in Arezzo in 1211, and in 1290 the Comune invited them to live within the walls. The design of the complex dates from the late 13th century and is the work of Fra Giovanni da Pistoia; construction began in the second decade of the 14th century. The main chapel, for which a building was purchased in 1348, was completed in 1374, while the façade, begun in the second half of the 14th century, remained unfinished.
In the 17th century the church took on a Baroque appearance, which was removed in the mid-19th century when the medieval frescoes were recovered. Between 1453 and 1464 Piero della Francesca painted the cycle of the Stories of the True Cross in the Bacci chapel; it was restored in 1992.
In 1955 Pope Pius XII raised the church to the rank of minor basilica. Today a visit to Piero della Francesca's cycle is possible only by reservation and in group slots.
Highlights
- Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca
- Bacci chapel
- 14th-century frescoes in the basilica
- Unfinished façade
Permanent exhibition
- Leggenda della Vera Croce – Fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca in the Bacci chapel, painted between 1453 and 1464.
- Founded
- 1500
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4 |
The prices include a €2 booking fee (full price €6 + €2, reduced €2 + €2). Booking is mandatory on +39 0575 352727 or +39 0575 299071; the site is not clear about online purchase. The site does not state who qualifies for the reductions.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
People with special needs should report them when booking.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The ticket office is in Via di San Francesco, next to the lower basilica.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 30 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The visit to the church and to the painted cycle of the Bacci chapel lasts 30 minutes, in groups of 25 people every 30 minutes. At the ticket office (entrance from Via di San Francesco) visitors should present themselves 10 minutes before their slot, with only one person per family unit or group. Appropriate clothing is required (shoulders and legs covered to the knee); bulky luggage and backpacks are discouraged, and animals, food and drink are not allowed. Silence must be kept. |
