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Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato: A Gothic Jewel in Parma

Discover Parma's Gothic masterpiece: Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato, a historic church reborn after serving as a city jail.

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The Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic church in Parma, Italy. Originally built in the 13th century, it has served as a place of worship, a city jail under Napoleonic rule, and has recently been restored to its former glory.

A brief summary to Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato

  • Piazzale San Francesco, 5, Parma, Province of Parma, 43121, IT
  • Visit website
  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the natural light filtering through the restored monofore windows.
  • Check the church's website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and liturgical events.
  • Take a stroll around Piazzale San Francesco to admire the church's facade and the surrounding historical buildings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato is located in the historical center of Parma, making it easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From Piazza Garibaldi, walk north along Strada della Repubblica, then turn left onto Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. Continue onto Piazzale San Francesco. The church will be on your left. This walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Parma's public transport is operated by TEP. Several bus lines serve the area around the Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato. Check the TEP website or use Google Maps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 80 minutes. Purchase tickets at tobacco shops, kiosks, or directly from the bus driver.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Parma and can be found near the train station or Piazza Garibaldi. You can also call for a cab (+390521252562) or send an SMS (+393666730000). A short taxi ride from the Parma train station to the Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato will cost approximately €10-€15.

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Discover more about Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato

The Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato, located on Piazzale San Francesco in Parma, is a significant example of Gothic-Franciscan architecture in the Emilia region. Construction of the church likely began around 1240-1250, with expansions and modifications occurring over the centuries. The facade features a Gothic rosette in a terracotta frame, and the interior is divided into three aisles with grand arches. Throughout its history, the church has been a prominent religious site, housing the Franciscan order and serving as a burial place for noble families. However, in the early 19th century, Napoleonic troops occupied the church and transformed it into a city jail, leading to significant alterations to the structure. After a period of abandonment, a restoration project was initiated in 2019 to revive the church and preserve its historical elements. Today, the Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato stands as a testament to Parma's rich history and artistic heritage. Visitors can admire the architecture, explore the Oratorio della Concezione, and appreciate the restored frescoes that adorn the walls. The church was rededicated in October 2021 and declared a sanctuary for peace, redemption, and reconciliation.

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