From restoration to the creation of a museum
The heart of the Sanctuary is made up of the Church of Saint Mary Major, the first cathedral of Assisi. Near the church is the former bishop’s palace, with the Hall of Spoliation, dedicated to Saint Francis.
The aim of the restoration project is to bring to light the Roman elements present and the place where Saint Francis actually cast off his rich clothes, and to create a museum within the bishop’s palace.
Details
Contemplated in the project is the reopening of the centuries-old door and the identification of the ground level at the time of St. Francis, while maintaining the present-day structure and the entrance.
Work began on 14 May 2021, and is expected to last about two years.
The total cost of the project is around €2 million, and it will be partly funded by the Italian Episcopal Conference. The Sanctuary of the Spoliation Foundation is also sourcing private funds to complete the work.




