The volume documents, through words and images, the restoration of the patriarchal basilica of St. Francis at Assisi, a true gem of Italian medieval art and architecture.
A true gem of Italian medieval art and architecture, the patriarchal basilica of St. Francis at Assisi was seriously damaged by the earthquake that struck the Umbria and Marches regions in the fall of 1997. The quake caused damage to both the architectural structure and the exceptional decorations – the most important complex of paintings of 13th and 14th century Italy – including frescoes by artists like Cimabue, Giotto and Simone Martini. This volume illustrates, through words and images, the massive restoration project that has permitted the reopening of the Basilica. The fine selection of photographs documenting the restoration operations is preceded by two chapters that briefly retrace the phases of the work on the structure and the frescoes.