Ravenna: Basilica of St. Francis (San Francesco)

The Basilica of San Francesco is a major church in Ravenna, Italy. The original building was constructed in 450 by a bishop of Ravenna and dedicated to the saints Peter and Paul. It became known later as the Church of the Apostles, but it was demolished by the end of the 10th century and a larger church and bell tower were built. They were dedicated to Saint Peter. When the church became the property of the Franciscans in 1261, it was rededicated to Francis of Assisi. The church is famous as the site of Dante Alighieri's funeral in 1321 and his remains are next door in the Tomb of Dante.