santa maria degli angeli
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, located in the serene plains of Assisi's Santa Maria degli Angeli, is a testament to the rich religious and architectural history of Italy. Consecrated in 1679, this papal minor basilica encloses the Porziuncola, a sacred chapel where St. Francis of Assisi began the Franciscan movement. The basilica's design, a blend of Mannerist and Baroque styles by architects Galeazzo Alessi and Vignola, offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of 16th and 17th-century ecclesiastical architecture. Its historical significance and architectural beauty continue to draw pilgrims and art enthusiasts from around the world.