St. Francis Basilica is the first example of French Gothic in Italy. French features are clearly visible in the elongated pointed windows and archbutans (outer half-buttresses) over the chapels. The basilica was built in 1236-2354 by the Franciscans and was part of the monastery complex. The work was carried out under the direction of Marco da Brescia and the Franciscan monk Fra Giovanni. Two bell towers rise above the apse of the basilica. One was built in 1260, the other - in the early 15th century.→