Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato, Emilia Romagna Travel Guide

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Discover Parma's Gothic gem, Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato: a historic church reborn after centuries as a prison.

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Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato

The Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato, a stunning example of Gothic-Franciscan art in Parma, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Once a vital religious center, it was transformed into a prison by Napoleonic troops in the early 19th century. After years of neglect, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory and re consecrated in 2021.

A brief summary to Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato

Piazzale San Francesco, 5, Parma, Province of Parma, 43121, IT
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Monday 7 am-8 pm
Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
Thursday 7 am-8 pm
Friday 7 am-8 pm
Saturday 7 am-8 pm
Sunday 8:20 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
Check the church's schedule for special events or musical performances.
Explore the surrounding area, filled with charming cafés and shops.

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Explore Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato is located in the city center and is easily accessible by foot. From Piazza Garibaldi, Parma's main square, walk north along Strada della Repubblica. Turn left onto Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, then turn right onto Piazzale San Francesco. The church will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Parma has an extensive bus network. Several bus lines stop near Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato. Check the local bus schedule for the most convenient route from your location. A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 80 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at tobacconists, newsstands, or through the TEP mobile app.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Parma, but they are not frequently used. You can find them at taxi stands near the train station or Piazza Garibaldi, or you can call for a taxi. A short taxi ride within the city center will cost approximately €10-€15. Taxi fares have a base fee of €3.80, and then charge €1.50 per kilometer.

Discover more about Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato

Located on Piazzale San Francesco, a short walk from Parma's Cathedral and Baptistery, the Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato stands as a testament to the city's rich history and artistic heritage. Founded by the Franciscan order, construction began in the 1240s and continued for over two centuries, with contributions from local citizens. The church quickly became a significant religious site, chosen by noble families as their burial place.The Gothic architecture features a striking facade with elegant niches and elongated single-light windows, crowned by a magnificent rose window crafted by Alberto da Verona in 1461. The interior is divided into three aisles, with soaring Gothic arches leading to polygonal apses. Restoration efforts have revealed fragments of frescoes dating back to the 15th century.In the early 19th century, Napoleonic troops desecrated the church, turning it into a prison and causing significant damage. For nearly two centuries, San Francesco del Prato served as a city jail, falling into disrepair. A comprehensive restoration project, which began in 2019, aimed to restore the church to its original splendor while preserving traces of its tumultuous past. The restored church was re-consecrated in October 2021 and declared a sanctuary for peace, redemption, and reconciliation.