Church San Francesco - San Gimignano - Tuscany

The slightly sunken, brilliant white facade of the Chiesa di San Francesco can be found along Via di San Giovanni, one of San Gimignano's main axes along Via Francigena.

Since the early decades of the 13th century, this site has been home to the Ospedale dei Cavalieri di Malta, a rich order of soldier monks tasked with defending the Holy Sepulchre. Originally the building was dedicated to Saint John and also served as a shelter for pilgrims and travelers along the Via Francigena.

It was transformed into a place of worship dedicated to Saint Francis in 1553, when Franciscan friars moved here after their monastery outside the San Giovanni gate was destroyed.

The 13th-century travertine facade, in Pisan Romanesque style, has beautiful blind arches over columns. The Croce dei Cavalieri di Malta is also visible above the door.

Willem Vandenameele