Description of the attraction
The Basilica of Santa Chiara is a church in the city of Assisi in Umbria that houses the relics of Saint Clara, a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi and founder of the Order of the Clarice, also known as the Order of Saint Clara.
The construction of the church began under the direction of Filippo Campello, one of the most prominent architects of his time. In October 1260, the remains of Saint Clara were transferred from the chapel of San Giorgio to the new church, where they were buried in the ground under the main throne.
After almost six centuries of neglect, these remains, like the remains of St. Francis of Assisi, were discovered in 1850 as a result of many careful studies. On September 23 of the same year, the coffin with the body of Saint Clara was raised from the ground and opened: the flesh and clothing had turned to dust over the centuries, but the skeleton was perfectly preserved. Two decades later - in September 1872 - the bones of the saint were solemnly transferred to the tomb in the crypt of the Basilica of Santa Clara, which was built specifically for this purpose. The process was led by Archbishop Pecci, who later became Pope Leo XIII. And today the relics of Saint Clara can be seen in this crypt.
Every year in August, a religious festival is held in Assisi in honor of the saint. In September, the discovery of her grave is celebrated, and in October - the transfer of the relics. By the way, Saint Agnes of Assisi is buried in the same church.
