The Convent of San Francesco, also known as the Convent of San Giovanni in honor of Giovanni da Capestrano, is a national monument located in Capestrano, in the province of L’Aquila. Its construction began in 1447 by the will of Giovanni da Capestrano on a site donated by Contessa Cobella da Celano, as documented in the convent’s reliquary. The original structure consisted of a building located between the current sacristy and the cellar, with about ten cells for the friars on the upper floor and workshops on the ground floor. It also housed a library to safeguard the books and manuscripts donated by the Saint at his death, later expanded in 1742 to form the present configuration. A square cloister was erected in 1709 on the left side of the church, featuring friar cells on the upper level, a refectory on the lower level, and a central garden.
In 1853, a new wing facing the cemetery was built. The church itself was enlarged in 1735 with the addition of the presbytery and two chapels on the right side and was restored and frescoed in 1925 by Father Colombo Cordeschi of Lucoli. In 1977, the square in front of the church was enlarged with a statue of San Giovanni by sculptor Padre Andrea Martini. The convent also houses the museum of San Giovanni da Capestrano, which displays relics, clothing (including the Bible given to him by Pope Callisto III), sacred furnishings, and historical documents such as a papal bull issued by Urban IV on April 18, 1262.
- Address
SS602, 95, Capestrano, Italy - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
Museum
