SANTUARIO DI SAN FRANCESCO

Greccio is a medieval hilltop town famous for its association with St. Francis of Assisi. The village of Greccio is surrounded by oak forests, with trails leading through the forest to the summit of Mount Lacerone, 1,204 metres (3,950 ft) above sea level. Here St. Francis of Assisi, would retire in prayer and meditation in a hut protected by two hornbeam plants. In this spot, in 1792, by popular demand, was built a memorial chapel dedicated to him, and known as "La Cappelletta".

The medieval village that preserves part of the pavement of the old castle (Eleventh Century) and three of the six towers. The parish church of San Michele Archangel is located next to the bell tower on top of a flight of steps and dates back to the fourteenth century. The church was built over a part of the castle. The church was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The church as a Nave and side chapels. Two of the side chapels, dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua and Our Lady Immaculate have paintings and frescoes of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth century. In the square, there is the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio from 1400. This church also is a single aisle or Nave. It has a central altar and two side altars, stucco Roman school with influences of Carlo Fontana. The high altar preserves, a fresco, which represents the Virgin and Child with Angels.

The town contains the ruined church of Santa Maria, now restored as the International Museum of the Crib, the remains of the ancient towers, one of the entrance doors and the chapel dedicated to St. Francis.

Sights

A wonderful display of the Nativity from all over the world. The museum is on the upper level of the church attached to the Sanctuary of St. Francis. Entrance to both the museum and Sanctuary is free. http://www.visitgreccio.com/attrazione/il-santuario-di-greccio