The Basilica of San Francesco in Ravenna, a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry, stands on the site of an early Christian church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous transformations, including a significant 9th-century reconstruction that introduced a Romanesque style and a square bell tower. The basilica's connection to Dante Alighieri is profound; it was the site of his funeral in 1321, and his remains rest nearby. Reflecting the Franciscan values of simplicity, a 20th-century restoration stripped away Baroque additions, returning the basilica to a more austere aesthetic, resonant with its original spiritual intent.