Basilica of Saint Francis

Updated April 15, 2024

# Basilica of Saint Francis (Basilica di San Francesco), Ravenna — A Practical Guide

Address: Piazza S. Francesco, 3, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy
Coordinates: 44.4158738, 12.2009516
Type: Basilica (active parish)
Known for: Dante connections and a photogenic flooded crypt with ancient mosaic floor

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## Why this basilica matters

A short walk from Ravenna’s main pedestrian core, the Basilica of Saint Francis is where Dante Alighieri’s funeral was held in 1321. Just outside is the poet’s neoclassical tomb and the small “Zona del Silenzio,” a quiet zone dedicated to Dante. Inside, the star is the submerged crypt beneath the presbytery—groundwater glints over a late-antique floor so clearly that you can make out mosaic patterns (and, often, spot goldfish). It’s one of the city’s most unusual—and most atmospheric—experiences. Turismo

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## A concise history (with context for what you’ll see)

– 5th century origins. The first church on this site was founded around 450 by Bishop Neon, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul and known as the Church of the Apostles.
– 9th–10th century rebuild. The early structure was replaced by a larger basilica and a tall square bell tower that still defines the skyline. The church was then called San Pietro Maggiore.
– Franciscan era (from 1261). The complex passed to the Franciscans, and the dedication shifted to Saint Francis of Assisi—hence today’s name.
– Dante’s funeral (1321). The poet’s funeral took place here; his remains were initially kept at the church before their long, contested history. Today, his tomb (1781, by Camillo Morigia) stands just outside the basilica in a small memorial precinct. Please observe the posted request for silence. Turismo
– Modern restorations. After Baroque alterations, a 1918–1921 restoration sought to return the interior to an earlier, cleaner line. The crypt was restored through the mid-20th century.

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## What to look for

### 1) The flooded crypt (under the sanctuary)
Descend the steps near the presbytery to view a water-filled crypt supported by squat columns and medieval vaults. The water isn’t decorative—it’s natural groundwater linked to local subsidence—and it creates a glassy lens over the ancient floor mosaics, producing striking reflections. A coin-operated light often illuminates the space briefly for viewing. Obscura

Photography tip: Aim for a short exposure when the viewing light is on; reflections are strongest when the surface is undisturbed. (Flash is unnecessary and can cause glare.)

### 2) The bell tower
The square brick campanile rises next to the façade and is a key survivorship from the medieval rebuild; festival literature notes its height is almost 33 meters. It’s a useful landmark when navigating the Dante area. Festival

### 3) Dante’s places just outside
Exit to the Zona Dantesca to see:
– Tomb of Dante (1781). Small, dignified, and typically free to enter; the area requests silence.
– Quadrarco di Braccioforte garden and cloister remnant beside the tomb—part of the memorial setting.

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## Architecture & atmosphere

Expect Ravenna brickwork, a restrained Romanesque interior, and a plan geared to liturgical clarity after the early 20th-century “back-to-basics” restoration that removed many later Baroque additions. The result aligns visually with the city’s late-antique and medieval DNA while feeling more austere than Ravenna’s mosaic-packed UNESCO basilicas—precisely why the crypt and the Dante link make such an impression here.

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## Practical visiting notes

– Location & access. Piazza San Francesco is in the walkable center; Dante’s tomb sits immediately adjacent to the church in a pedestrian area.
– Admission. Entry to the church is typically free; Dante’s tomb is also free. Some sites in the Dante complex and city museums may charge separate fees. REUNION – Exclusive Hotel Ravenna
– Crypt viewing. Lighting may require a small coin; mechanisms and amounts can change—bring coins and check signage at the church. (This detail is often reported by visitors; as prices and systems change, treat it as subject to change.)
– Opening times. Parish schedules and festival events can close areas temporarily. Verify current hours on-site or with Ravenna’s official tourism listings before you go; published hours on third-party sites vary and may be outdated. Turismo
– Etiquette. This is an active parish in a designated Dante quiet zone nearby—dress and behave respectfully, especially during services.

Accessibility: The nave is level, but crypt access involves stairs and a viewing window at lower level; step-free access to the crypt is generally not available. If mobility is a concern, ask staff whether the viewing window can be seen from the upper landing. (Public sources describe stepped access only.) Obscura

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## Pair it with nearby highlights

Ravenna’s fame rests on its 5th–6th-century mosaics—plan your day to weave San Francesco between the UNESCO sites such as San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which are short walks away. (Timed tickets and combo passes are common across the mosaic circuit; verify current conditions.) Meadow

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## Responsible, inclusive visiting

– Quiet zone: The Dante precinct asks for silence; it’s a space of remembrance used by people of many backgrounds.
– Photography: Avoid flash in the church and be mindful during services.
– Access needs: If you or someone in your group cannot manage stairs, plan to enjoy the basilica proper and the Dante precinct outdoors; staff are usually helpful about where viewing is easiest.

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## Fast facts (to save)

– Founded: original church c. 450; major medieval rebuild 9th–10th c.
– Order: Franciscans from 1261; parish church today.
– Claim to fame: Dante’s funeral held here in 1321; his tomb stands next door. Turismo
– Unmissable detail: Water-filled crypt with visible mosaic floor. Obscura
– Bell tower: square, ~33 m; a prominent medieval landmark. Festival

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### What’s likely to change (flagging potential outdated info)

– Opening hours and crypt-lighting mechanism/fee vary by season and maintenance; treat any specific times or coin amounts you find online as provisional and confirm on site or through the city’s official channels. Turismo

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If you’re building a Ravenna itinerary around Dante and the city’s late-antique art, this basilica ties the strands together in one compact stop: a medieval church with a submerged archaeological layer and the poet’s memorial precinct on the doorstep.

Ravenna in 2 giorni: ecco cosa vedere nella città dei mosaici

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