The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi is an important tourist attraction in Italy due to its religious significance and architectural excellence. The foundation stone of the Basilica was laid down by Pope Gregory IX on 17 July 1228 and the church was completed in 1253. Its architecture is a combination of Romanesque and French–Gothic styles of construction. The stained glass windows are another attraction, a part of which was done in Germany and the rest in France.

The frescoes in the church have been done by some of the greatest Roman, Umbrian and Tuscan artists of the medieval period. Th church also has several rare paintings by great artists like Giotto, Cimabue, Lorenzetti and Dono Doni. Both these paintings and frescoes are worth seeing.