Church of Saint Francis
Municipality of Moncalieri
The Franciscan echo among art, architecture and memory
Built in memory of St. Francis' visit to Moncalieri, the church of the same name preserves a 14th-century bell tower and an elegant style combining Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Inside, spirituality and art come together in an intimate atmosphere that still speaks to the community today.
SCOPRI DI PIù
According to tradition, the Church of Saint Francis was built to commemorate the passage of the saint from Assisi through Moncalieri on his way to France.
The first church, built in the 13th century, was demolished in 1788 to make way for the current building, designed by Filippo Castelli from San Damiano d'Asti. The new building was inspired by a subdued yet elegant architectural style, somewhere between Baroque and Neoclassical, with an exposed brick façade and terracotta details.
A distinctive feature is the 14th-century bell tower, a surviving element of the original church, with mullioned windows and Gothic pinnacles that rise above the town.
The interior, with its single nave, is embellished with side chapels, frescoes and wooden decorations that help create an atmosphere of intimate spirituality.
During the 19th century, the church was a vital centre for the brotherhoods of the town and the scene of important religious celebrations linked to the Savoy monarchy.
Today it is a destination for tourists and worshippers, a symbol of a spiritual heritage rooted in the Franciscan tradition which continues to be alive in the community of Moncalieri.
Explore the church that conserves evidence of Saint Francis in Moncalieri
Visit a place suspended between art and spirituality, where the echo of the saint from Assisi joins the religious history of the city.
