See the original Cross of San Damiano, which is duplicated all over town, at Basilica di Santa Chiara. This church is dedicated to and contains the remains of Saint Clare of Assisi, a founder of the Order of Poor Ladies (now the Order of Saint Clare). Admire the simple pink and white stone facade. The basilica is quite plain compared to other Italian churches, in keeping with Saint Clare’s humble lifestyle. Descend into the crypt and see a statue of Saint Clare, a display of her relics, and art depicting her life. Using our international travel planner, Assisi attractions like Basilica di Santa Chiara can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Basilica di Santa Chiara reviews
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I preferred this church to many others visited in the city . A much more enjoyable experience, even compared to the Cathedral of St. Francis. The people are much better managed, there are no crowds...
I preferred this church to many others visited in the city . A much more enjoyable experience, even compared to the Cathedral of St. Francis. The people are much better managed, there are no crowds... more »
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Chiara was a girl who was a close friend of St. Francis. On the day she turned 17, she went with a friend at the Porziuncola and took off all her clothes and jewels, then she found asylum in a...
Chiara was a girl who was a close friend of St. Francis. On the day she turned 17, she went with a friend at the Porziuncola and took off all her clothes and jewels, then she found asylum in a... more »
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If you are looking for an incredible prayer opportunity, get up early and attend morning prayer (6:45) and mass (7:15) in the chapel of the San Damiano crucifix. Even if you don’t speak Italian, listening to the singing of the cloistered Poor Clare sisters while praying before the same cross that Sts. Francis and Clare were so shaped by is an incredible experience. You will see reproductions of the San Damiano cross everywhere - and if you have any Franciscan institutions in your hometown, you’ll have seen them there too. This is the original. We make it a daily practice to get here for morning mass. If you do go, please respect that this is an opportunity for prayer and not a tourist attraction. All that said, the main church is a beautiful place of prayer in its own right. It isn’t open for prayer until later in the morning but it’s worth returning. The crucifix over the main altar is not famous, but it’s a powerful image of the suffering Christ.
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A beautiful city and basilica. We were luck to be able to visit during COVID restrictions and so there were zero crowds.
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