1The Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Italy
The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi is one of the most important sites for medieval frescoes. Here, you’ll find works by some of the greatest Italian masters, including Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini. The upper church is adorned with frescoes illustrating the life of St. Francis, attributed primarily to Giotto. The narrative cycle is remarkable for its storytelling and its innovative use of spatial depth and perspective.
In contrast, the lower church houses darker, more mystical frescoes by Cimabue and others. Together, these frescoes capture the essence of medieval spirituality and the life of one of Christianity’s most beloved saints.
Frescoes, by their very nature, are more than just paintings—they are part of the very fabric of the structures that house them, deeply embedded in the architecture and history of their time. From the Renaissance masterpieces of Italy to the spiritual frescoes of Eastern Europe, these works of art transcend time and culture, offering a window into the beliefs, stories, and aesthetics of their creators. To stand before a fresco is to stand before history itself, and these seven locations provide some of the most breathtaking frescoes the world has to offer.
