INTRO_PAG_ENG
The first settlement of Franciscan friars in the Montefalco area dates back to the first half of the 13th century, with the construction of the Church of Santa Maria della Selvetta in Camiano, a small hamlet not far from the old town centre.
Over the years, the friars tried to move closer to the city walls, building a new church dedicated to Saints Philip and James in the area of the belvedere, in what is now Via Ringhiera Umbra.
It was not until 1335 that they obtained a plot of land within the city walls, in the Collemora district, and built the current church, dedicated to the order's founding saint.
The building was completed in just a few years (1335-1338) thanks to substantial donations and testamentary legacies, which the monks used to fund the sumptuous interior decorations and the first nucleus of the monastery. Extension of the dormitory dates to the end of the 17th century when, in order to better accommodate the growing community of friars, a large part of the cloister adjacent to the left side of the church was sacrificed; some of the columns can still be seen in the third room of the old cellars. The Franciscan community remained in the complex until 1861 when, after proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, the monastery’s assets were confiscated and the friars distanced from their liturgical activities and accommodation; it was subsequently used as a civilian hospital. From as early as the 19th century, the church underwent restoration and maintenance work, designed to preserve its huge artistic heritage. It also housed goods confiscated from religious communities, initially kept in the former church of San Filippo Neri.
The Church-Museum of San Francesco was built between 1335 and 1338 by the Friars Minor and is the third Franciscan settlement in the Montefalco area, although it is the first within the walls.
It was officiated by the friars until 1863 when the church was given to the Municipality of Montefalco and in 1895 it became the seat of the Civic Museum
In 2006, for the first time, the ancient cellars of the Friars Minor Conventual of Montefalco were made accessible and opened to visitors. The cellars, which had come to light during the most recent restoration work, were filled with 18th and 19th century items relating to the processing of grapes and wine production.
("Studio e Ricerca delle Tradizioni Popolari Umbre Marco Gambacurta" Association private collection).
MUSA - MUSEO ALWAYS OPEN
The virtual visit will allow you to visit our museum with complete additional information at an incredible cost
18/07/2025
From July to September 2025, themed weekend tours of the San Francesco Museum Complex and the city of Montefalco will allow you to discover its cultural and historical heritage. An unmissable opportunity to experience Montefalco authentically, amidst art, faith, tradition, and beauty.
04/07/2025
The San Francesco Museum Complex hosts the works of four artists: Annie Hsiao-Ching Wang and Karen Hui-Yu Lo, originally from Taiwan, and the Italians Frank Dituri and Mauro Manetti. The themes they address are, on the one hand, female identity and family conflict, and on the other, the transcendental dimension. Toward a poetic horizon.
04/07/2025
The exhibition of the triptych 'Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints and Scenes from the Life of the Virgin and Saint Clare', a work by Giovanni di Corraduccio, owned by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Foligno, will open on Friday 4 July 2025 at 11 a.m. inside the Church of San Francesco di Montefalco.
Staff Museo
31/10/2024
The Municipality of Montefalco, in collaboration with Eclipsis Style Project, as part of the festival dedicated entirely to oil called 'AMOLOLIO' presents the exhibition of the master Sergio Favotto, one of the few artists of monumental art recognized at an international level.
Staff Museo
15/04/2024
An engaging immersive and sensorial journey, which starts from the ancient Franciscan cellars to discover the territory.
Inauguration: Saturday 20 April 2024, 11.30 am
Staff Museo
18/12/2023
At the Montefalco Museum until March 3rd the evocative photographic exhibition dedicated to the cultural heritage of Umbria, the result of the editorial project by Elvio Lunghi and Giovanni Tarpani.