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Secondary sourceArtifact1230

Tomb of Saint Francis

1230

The crypt tomb beneath the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi holding the remains of Francis of Assisi.

This crypt holds Francis's own remains, hidden in 1230 and rediscovered centuries later.

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Interior of a stone crypt with a recessed niche behind a dark iron grate. A small plaque reads S. Francesco with dates. Candles on iron stands and white flower arrangements flank the tomb area, lit by warm light.
Tomb of Saint Francis, Lower Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, 1230.

About this source

What it is

This is the burial place of Francis of Assisi, located in the crypt of the Lower Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. The basilica complex was built between 1228 and 1253, soon after Francis was made a saint.

Why it matters

Francis's body was hidden beneath the basilica in 1230 and was not rediscovered until centuries later, in 1818. This reflects how important his relics were to medieval Christians, who competed to control and venerate the remains of holy people.

Look closer

  • Why might Francis's followers have wanted to hide his body rather than display it openly?
  • What does the care taken over this tomb tell you about how people viewed Francis after his death?
  • How does a tomb like this compare to the simple life Francis is said to have lived?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Francis on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Manuscript page in Latin with black gothic script and red initial letter M and red-highlighted lines, with handwritten marginal notes on the right. The text includes 'Altissimu onnipotente bon signore' and 'Laudes creaturarum', consistent with the Canticle of the Sun.Book

Primary source

Canticle of the Sun

Francis of Assisi · 1226

Photograph of a small, aged parchment sheet sealed in a metal-framed case. It has faded brown ink text in Latin with red headings, a large hand-drawn red and brown Tau cross with a figure-like sketch, and a few lines of writing at the bottom.Document

Primary source

Chartula fratri Leonis

Francis of Assisi · 1224

Book

Secondary source

First Life of Saint Francis

Thomas of Celano · 1230

Gold-background panel painting in a gabled wooden frame. A standing robed friar with a halo holds a book and raises one hand, flanked by two angels above. Smaller framed scenes in the side panels show his life events in colorful architecture.Painting

Secondary source

Saint Francis of Assisi and Scenes of His Life

Bonaventura Berlinghieri · 1235

Aerial view of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi on a hilltop, with its pink-toned stone walls, a tall bell tower, and a large sloping retaining wall. A parking area and winding road are below, with green valley and hills in the distance under a cloudy sky.Artifact

Secondary source

Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi

begun 1228

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