san damiano

This is where St. Francis of Assisi followed the call he heard to "rebuild my church". Down the hill from Assisi, among small villas and olive groves, this small church was the beginning of his ministry, and became the convent of the Poor Clares,begun by one of his most ardent followers, St. Clare of Assisi. According to legend, it was in great disrepair, and Francis took it upon himself to begin his new life by literally begging for stones to rebuild this little church. St. Clare and her sisters lived and prayed there, and the room in which she died after a long illness is very poignant in its beautiful simplicity.

This is a very specail place, and the cross of San Damiano....where St. Francis received his spiritual direction...is very moving. The close ties to St. Claire of Assisi are evident everywhere. It is essential to visit here....to gain the full inspiration of Assisi.

After the hustle and bustle of the city, San Damiano is a wonderful oasis. The spirit of Claire and Francis is all around you here. Take a taxi at least one way, though, if it is hot or you have trouble walking.

In June 2010 and in July 2007, I visited San Damiano, in Assisi, the hometown of St Francis of Assisi.One needs to be at San Damiano to experience what Santa Chiara (St Claire) and San Francesco (St Francis) had experienced - some 802 years ago or more...Being Franciscan in spirit, I enjoyed every moment of my stay at San Damiano and I bought some souvenirs from this very special and sacred Franciscan place...What is San Damiano to you? you will only know if you make a visit there and experience what St Francis and St Clare of Assisi had experienced when they were once there...It's a very personal experience and I believe each visitor will experience God and the spirit of Assisi, in his/her own special way.Pax et Bonum.

Here in this place, I visited the convent of Poor Clare and wandered in the hills of San Damiano . I was moved to sing the Prayer of St. Francis softly , almost in a whisper so,as not to break the silence of the place , all of a sudden, a mana I. A strange clothing, almost a 12th century image came to the cross, looked up and looked at me moth if "grazie" I struck my breast in acknowledgement and quite afraid that he might scold me for breaking the silence rule of the place . I looked around and found so many people all transfixed with smiles, I felt I was alone but then, I had so many people around me...was this possible that I saw an apparition of St. Francis ? I know in my heart of heart that I was filled with unexplained joy... Be there and find for yourself what it was to be in communion with God in this beautiful and peaceful place.

Any fan of St Francis or St Clare will want to visit this holy place and it is well worth the effort. However I advise going at least one way by taxi especially if it is hot. Also take a map - itis not well sign-posted.

Most prayerful environment there is. Peaceful. Beautiful grounds. Awesome that st clares death spot is marked by a simple rope and a candle. Lovely. You can walk directly south for 1.5 miles and be in rivotorto sanctuary. See the huts that the friars lived in.

what a lovely experience, the site where St.Francis received his benediction. The setting is serene and peaceful, ps... there is parking there.

The small church and convent of San Damiano are a magical place of faith and serenity away from the chaotic streets of Assisi full of tourists. The place is about 2km far from Assisi city centre and it's an ideal place where to go and stay in peace to pray and meditate. The place reflects the real life S. Francesco and S. Clara and their companions lived without useless material things. The road back to Assisi is uphill and a bit tough so be prepared. We were impressed by the beauty of the plants in the convent "chiostro" they were incredibly healthy with bright colours. These plants reflected the beauty of nature in simple things.

San Damiano is a place where you can more easily feel the spirit of St. Francis, St. Clare, and their companions. It was an abandoned, dilapidated country chapel when Francis wandered into it to pray. The Lord spoke to him their, through a magnificent crucifix now housed in the Basilica of St. Clare, and told him to go rebuild his Church. Francis took this literally and rebuilt this chapel himself with stones that he begged from town citizens. St. Clare and her sisters later moved in. This place has retained its medieval charm and Franciscan simplicity. If you really want a taste of St. Francis, you have to visit this one.

This is the Place where you can fell the presence of both Fransesco and Chiara. Where St Chiare satt when eating, lay Down when sleepimg, where she prayed. Deep impressin.

The whole place is grand ,Beautiful and heavenly. I especially loved the small chapel built by St Francis in the big cathedral.

Very peaceful must see place ...not crowded except with history....read up on St. Francis before visiting...this is the church he built with followers

About a 30 minute walk downhill to get to this chapel restored by St Francis, only for the strong legged. You can take a taxi from downtown Assisi if step walkways and many steps too much. A beautiful site worth seeing.

Located just outside the old town. Watch for the limited opening hours (closed lunchtime). This is where St Clare (S Chiara) lived and died. Don't miss it. Observe the silence notice.