Museo di San Francesco: A Renaissance Treasure in Montefalco

The Museo di San Francesco, located in the heart of Montefalco, is a captivating museum complex that offers visitors a journey through Umbrian art and history. The museum is situated within the former Church of San Francesco, built between 1335 and 1338, and its adjacent convent. The Franciscan friars occupied the site for over five centuries until 1863, when the complex was transferred to the municipality. In 1895, it was established as the civic museum. The undisputed highlight of the museum is the fresco cycle by Florentine painter Benozzo Gozzoli, commissioned in 1452, which adorns the apse of the church. These vibrant frescoes depict scenes from the life of St. Francis, showcasing Gozzoli's innovative use of perspective, color, and three-dimensionality. The cycle is often compared to Giotto's masterpiece in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. Other notable features of the church include a Nativity scene painted by Perugino in 1503 and the Chapel of San Girolamo, also decorated by Gozzoli. The museum also encompasses the Civic Art Gallery (Pinacoteca), which displays a collection of paintings, panels, and detached frescoes from local churches, as well as textile works. The Archaeological Section, located in the crypt, houses artifacts dating from the 1st century BC to the 16th century AD, providing evidence of Montefalco's occupation since Roman times. Visitors can also explore the ancient cellars of the Franciscan monastery, where wine was once produced. Today, the Museo di San Francesco stands as a testament to Montefalco's artistic and cultural heritage, offering a unique and enriching experience for visitors.