Chiesa di San Francesco (Church of San Francesco), Ostuni (must see)

The Church of San Francesco was originally erected in 1304 within the serene surroundings of the "Colombro" garden, a land graciously donated by the Prince of Taranto. Originally designed in the Gothic style, the church underwent profound renovations in 1615, adapting to the changing times while preserving its spiritual essence.

The church's magnificent façade, which captivates visitors today, was masterfully crafted by Gaetano Jurleo in 1883. Its design harmonizes gracefully with the adjacent Palazzo Civico, a structure later constructed by the Archconfraternity of the Immaculate Conception. The façade is divided into two sections, distinguished by a central cornice. At its midpoint, an atypical Romanesque-inspired window graces the façade. Just below the cornice, two Carrara marble statues of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Anthony of Padua, sculpted by Francesco Bagnulo, stand sentinel. Between these saints lies a remarkable bronze door, the work of Egidio Giaroli.

The interior, designed by Salvatore Trinchera and Francesco Greco in 1777, exudes an air of reverence. Columns, pilasters, and cornices grace the space, adorned with Corinthian capitals and vaults that support a striking dome. The main altar, dating back to 1780 and crafted from marble, features two lateral angels representing Ecstasy and Meditation. Adjacent to the main altar stands the magnificent organ, a creation of Tommaso Alvano in 1882.

Among the precious statues gracing the church, the Via Crucis figures, dating from the early twentieth century, hold particular significance. Additionally, there are the statues of Saint Joseph with Child (1689) and the wooden representation of the Immaculate Conception (1719), both sculpted by Giacomo Colombo. Bas-reliefs depicting the Via Crucis, skillfully installed in 1989 by Gaetano Valerio, add a further layer of religious symbolism. Notably, the church features a painting portraying Moses breaking the Tablets of the Law in front of the statue of the golden calf.