A testament to its Franciscan past, the Convent of San Francesco narrates centuries of history and spirituality. Its architectural forms and interior frescoes transport visitors on a journey through time.
The convent originated from a community of Franciscans who settled in Arrone in the 13th century. The church reflects the architectural forms it acquired between the 14th and 17th centuries. It is preceded by a three-arched portico, with arches resting on pillars, and above it extends a loggia with the same structure as the portico.
The bell gable, located above the presbytery, was added at a later period. The interior features a single nave with a roof supported by exposed wooden trusses. The square presbytery is covered by a cross-vaulted ceiling.
The existence of the Convent is documented in the “Vatican Registers” of 1291, in a bull issued by Pope Nicholas IV (Licet is), in records from the early 14th century listing Franciscan convents, and in the Statutes of Arrone from 1542, where it is mentioned as marking the boundary with the municipality of Casteldilago.
The Franciscan history of the convent came to an end on October 15, 1652, when Pope Innocent X suppressed convents with fewer than ten friars. By 1696, the former convent was listed among the assets in the land registry of Casteldilago. After the Unification of Italy, it became state property and, on December 14, 1881, was acquired by the municipality of Arrone.
The original, simple structure was enriched in the late 16th century with the addition of two altars, decorated with stucco and Mannerist paintings.
On the left wall, remnants of a Madonna and Child from the late 14th century are visible, while the wall behind features a Madonna Enthroned with Child and Praying Donors, along with a head of Saint Anthony of Padua, works dating back to the 15th century.
The triumphal arch is decorated with remains of the Annunciation, with two niches at its base. To the left is a statue of Saint Anthony Abbot, and to the right, Saint Anthony of Padua.
In the presbytery, notable frescoes include Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata and Saint Valentine Holding Casteldilago.
The vaults depict the Evangelist Matthew, while the ribs feature partially preserved floral festoon decorations.
On the right wall, a niche contains frescoes of the Assumption of the Virgin, Saint Michael the Archangel, the Madonna of the Oak, and likely Saint Nicholas or Saint Felix.