Assisi Cathedral

About

Assisi Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale di San Rufino di Assisi, or simply Cattedrale di Assisi), dedicated to Saint Rufinus, is a major church in Assisi, Italy. This imposing cathedral, built in the Romanesque style of Umbria, is the third church constructed on the same site to house the relics of Bishop Rufinus, who was martyred in the 3rd century.

Construction began in 1140 based on designs by Giovanni da Gubbio, as recorded by a wall inscription still visible inside the apse. He may be the same Giovanni who later designed the rose window of Santa Maria Maggiore in 1163. The cathedral has played an important role in the history of the Franciscan Order. Within its walls, Saint Francis of Assisi (1182), Saint Clare (1193), many of their early followers, and even Emperor Frederick II were baptized. It was after hearing Francis preach in this church in 1209 that Clare was deeply moved by his message and came to recognize her vocation. According to Tommaso da Celano, Saint Francis was once seen praying in this church while simultaneously appearing in a vision, riding a chariot of fire, at the Porziuncola. In 1228, during his visit to Assisi for the canonization of Saint Francis...