Chiesa di San Francisco d’Assisi, Ostuni

The first church we came across, and couldn’t miss, was the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi, located in the main square. It was founded in 1304 by the Order of the Minor Friars, who took care of it for the next five centuries, and like most historic building it has undergone major transformations through the centuries.

This altar is a replica of the altar of the Immaculate Conception, sculpted from local stone by local craftsmen in the late 18th century and painted to resemble marble.
The original altarpiece has been modified to fit a papier-mâché relief of Our Lady of the Rosary. It is a typical piece, using humble papier-mâché to recreate a nearly three-dimensional scene of intense devotion.

What caught my eye the most in this church were the striking stained glass windows, and yet I can’t find any information about when they were created and who by. Obviously part of the later renovations and the style of this is quite eye-catching.Read more