Convento Dei Francescani (Franciscan Convent), Perugia

The Franciscan Convent of San Francesco del Monte, also known as Monteripido, is a historically significant site located just outside the city walls of Perugia. Its origins trace back to 1290, making it one of the earliest Franciscan establishments in the region. Rebuilt in 1858, the convent and its adjoining church are celebrated for their architectural and artistic heritage.

The convent was erected on the site of a hermitage where Blessed Giles (Beato Egidio), a close companion of Saint Francis of Assisi, lived for over 30 years. Upon his death in 1262, his remains were transported to San Francesco al Prato, and his memory has been deeply intertwined with Monteripido’s legacy. By the late 13th century, the site became the second urban Franciscan settlement in Perugia and later a prestigious Studium Generale, established by the renowned preacher Bernardino da Siena.

Reconstructed in the mid-19th century, the church preserves Renaissance art treasures, including 14th-century frescoes and Gerardo Dottori's 1923 works. Despite losses during Italy's unification, highlights include a 14th-century Crucifixion in the Oratory of the Beato Egidio, ornate wooden ceilings, and the 15th-century San Bernardino Cloister. The 17th-century library by Pietro Carrattoli houses a rich collection of books and manuscripts, reflecting the Franciscan Studium's intellectual heritage.

The Altarpiece of the Blessed Giles, linked to his shrine at San Francesco al Prato, was believed to be painted on the wood that transported his body. The convent courtyard once housed two chapels, including the Chapel of the Nativity (Cappella della Nativita), decorated with Perugino frescoes, fragments of which are now in the National Gallery of Umbria.