The Church and the convent of San Francesco were built between 1230 and 1270 in a style that is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic. With the Napoleonic suppressions, the church lost its function of worship and underwent alterations and destructions, such as the bell tower (rebuilt in 1942). Only in 1928, after a massive restoration of the church, was it returned to the Conventual Franciscan Friars and reopened for worship.
Once there were many tombs of wealthy families. Today you can admire the tombs of two exceptional children of art: Francesca Petrarca and Pietro Alighieri. The former died in childbirth in 1384 in Treviso, where she lived, while the latter died under mysterious circumstances during a stay in Treviso.
Entering through the side door, a gigantic Saint Christopher immediately catches the eye, a Romanesque-Byzantine fresco from the late 13th century.
The apse chapel has been frescoed by students of Tomaso da Modena (or Tomaso Barisini) with the Four Evangelists and in the vault's sails with Adam, Saint Francis receiving the stigmata from Christ, and a Madonna with Child. In the Immaculate Chapel, there is the Madonna in throne with Child and seven saints, a masterpiece by the same Tomaso da Modena from 1350 (three of the saints were added later by students). In the Rinaldi Chapel, there is a Madonna and four saints, frescoed in 1351 by Maestro di Feltre, a student of Barisini.
Outside, there is a statue of Saint Francis releasing the dove of peace, created by contemporary sculptor Roberto Cremesini.
