Giotto and St. Francis: exhibition at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria

Giotto and St. Francis: exhibition at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria

The Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria presents an exhibition exploring the pivotal role of 14th-century art in shaping Franciscan imagery. The display gathers more than sixty works — painted panels, crosses, polyptychs and illuminated manuscripts — to convey the artistic and spiritual atmosphere that influenced Italian painting of the period.

Alongside works linked to Giotto, the itinerary highlights pieces by Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti, documenting the vibrant artistic workshop in Assisi and the figurative experiments carried out within the Basilica.

• What to expect: over 60 works including paintings, crosses, polyptychs and manuscripts; contextual information on the Franciscan movement of the 1300s.
• Guided tours: specialist-guided visits led by qualified guides.
• Tour schedule: starting April 3, guided tours every Friday at 17:00 through June 12.
• Side events:
  • Saturday April 4, 17:00 — visit to the Vetrerie Moretti Caselli: discover the history of Italy’s oldest glassmaking family and their workshops.
  • Friday April 10 — additional guided visits to the exhibition.
  • Sunday April 12, 10:30 — "A Long Kiss Story": guided walk focusing on Giovanni Buitoni and Luisa Spagnoli, starting from the historic workshop in Via Alessi.
  • Sunday April 12, 16:30 — visit to the Basilica of San Domenico and the Museum of Pope Benedict XI, featuring the remarkable 1411 stained glass window.
• Prices (indicative):
  • Guided visit to the exhibition: €25 (includes entry and mandatory audio receivers).
  • Visit to Vetrerie Moretti Caselli: €13 (studio-museum entry; free up to 12 years).
  • "A Long Kiss Story" tour: €12 (free up to 12 years).
  • Basilica of San Domenico + museum: €12 + €3 museum entry (free up to 12 years).
• Bookings & info: phone/WhatsApp +39 371 3116801; official site www.grantourperugia.it.

Practical tips: arrive a few minutes early, bring ID for reduced fares, wear comfortable shoes and allow sufficient time to explore the exhibition’s more detailed sections.