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.
The work began on May 14, 2021.
Throughout 2023, archaeological excavations continued with test digs inside the area of the Sanctuary. The upper courtyard at the entrance of the Bishop’s Residence was fully restored. The excavations revealed the entrance area to the Domus of Propertius, located beneath the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Since August 2024, work has resumed on the restoration and conservation of the “Ancient Episcopal Palace.” The work carried out focused on the central area of the complex, demolishing the floors and their underlying layers, followed by excavation to reach the level specified in the project. The work then extended to the side walls, where safety measures were implemented, including the construction of masonry underpinnings with brick foundations.
Starting in January 2025, the installation of floors, window fittings, and technological systems will begin.
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.
