San Damiano, Assisi 
The peaceful, olive-tree-lined approach to the Chiesa di San Damiano.
For many more photos, see our San Damiano Photo Gallery.
Facade of the convent, the left portion of which is the original oratory
rebuilt with St. Francis' own hands. It was later enlarged to the right.
Nave of the ancient church, with frescoes and replica of the crucifix.
Room above the old church, where Clare died in 1253 (right corner).
Choir of the Poor Clares, with wood stalls from the time of St. Clare.
Chapel of San Girolamo (I think), with frescoes of the early 16th century.
15th-century cloisters of the convent.
A Franciscan nun in the cloisters of the still-active convent.
The church and convent of San Damiano is where it all began in Assisi. As the place where St. Francis first received his miraculous calling in 1205 and where St. Clare died in 1253, it is an important stop on the pilgrimage to the Franciscan holy city. The simple oratory is located in a beautiful setting just outside the walls of Assisi.
History
In 1205, a young and restless Francesco was in this dilapidated old church praying before a 12th-century painted crucifix. Suddenly, the Christ on the crucifix came to life and spoke to Francis, saying, "Rebuild my church." (The miraculous icon now hangs in the Basilica of St. Clare.)
Francis took the command literally at first, reconstructing the little church with his own hands. The church later became a favorite retreat for Francis and his followers and it was here that he wrote the first draft of the Canticle of the Creatures.
St. Clare, follower and close friend of Francis, founded her Order of the Poor Clares here at San Damiano in 1212. She lived here most of her life as its abbess and passed away in an upstairs room on August 11, 1253. Her body was transferred a few years later to the Basilica of St. Clare, built just for her.
What to See
In a city filled with some over-the-top memorials to St. Francis, this pretty little church is still a pleasingly simple place, with rustic wooden choir stalls and a few old frescoes on the walls. The setting amidst olive trees is exceptionally peaceful and beautiful as well.
San Damiano does not have the same artistic importance as the renowned Basilica of San Francesco, but that is part of its charm and what keeps it so quiet and peaceful here. And there are some good frescoes here, including some dimly-lit 14th-century works in the nave, a 13th-century Madonna in the apse, and vibrantly colored scenes by Tiberio of Assisi in the Chapel of San Girolamo, painted from 1517 to 1522.
The wooden choir stalls in the church date from the early 16th century, but those in the little Choir of the Poor Clares are original from the time of St. Clare (13th century).
The monastery, with its 15th-century cloister, is also usually open to visitors. It contains a Crucifixion of Pier Antonio Mezzastris from 1482. There are frescoes of Dono Doni in the refectory and in the cloister are the works of Eusebio da San Giorgio from 1507 of San Francesco Receiving the Stigmata and The Annunciation.
See our captioned San Damiano Photo Gallery for more details on art and architecture.
Quick Facts
| Name: | San Damiano |
| Type of site: | Convent; church; shrine |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic (Franciscan order) |
| Location: | Via San Damiano (1.5km/0.93 miles south of Assisi, leavening through the Porta Nuova), Assisi, Italy |
| Contact: | 075-812-273 |
| Hours: | Daily 10am-12:30pm and 2-6pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of San Damiano. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Assisi Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Travel Resources
- Assisi Hotels - browse by location, price and other features at Venere
- Assisi Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews from fellow travelers at TripAdvisor
- Assisi Travel Forum - tips, advice and answers from experienced travelers (and locals) at TripAdvisor
- Car Rentals in Italy - good deals, lots of car choices, and excellent customer service from Auto Europe
- Italy Rail Passes and Tickets - save on multiple journeys in Italy at Rail Europe
Sources
- Personal visit (April 2008).
- Costantino Troiano and Alfonso Pompei, trans. Benedict Fagone, Illustrated Guide of Assisi (Assisi: CEFA), 117-19.
- Church of San Damiano - Bella Umbria
- Frommer's Florence, Tuscany & Umbria, 5th edition
More Information
- Traveler Reviews of San Damiano - TripAdvisor
- St. Clare of Assisi - Patron Saints Index
- St. Francis of Assisi - Patron Saints Index
