Facade of the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, in Assisi

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli: what to see

Two kilometres from Agriturismo La Mora, on the plain below Assisi, stands one of the largest churches in Christendom — built in the 16th century around a much smaller, much older building: the Porziuncola.

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The Porziuncola, a heart within a heart

The Porziuncola is the small chapel where Saint Francis spent much of his religious life and where he died, on 3 October 1226. In the 16th century, to protect it and welcome the growing flow of pilgrims, an enormous basilica was built around it: today, walking in, you find a tiny chapel beneath an immense dome — a contrast that tells, better than any description, the distance between Francis's original simplicity and how his legacy was later celebrated.

Interior of the Porziuncola, inside the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

The Porziuncola seen from inside the basilica's nave.

What to see beyond the Porziuncola

Chapel of the Transito — the cell where Francis died, now a chapel.
The Rose Garden — thornless roses linked to the legend of Francis throwing himself into brambles to resist temptation.
The Porziuncola Museum — artefacts and works tied to the history of the place and the Franciscan order.
The statue of Saint Francis in the square outside, a landmark for arriving visitors.

Practical information

Admission: Free
Distance from La Mora: 2 km
Parking: Available near the basilica
Pair with: Bosco di San Francesco (on foot, same entrance)

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Getting there from Agriturismo La Mora

It's a short drive along the plain connecting the countryside around La Mora to the centre of Assisi: the Basilica is a natural first stop for a day out, often even before heading up to the historic centre. Those who prefer to travel lighter can also rent an e-bike directly at the property.