Church of San Francesco - Capuchin Friars Monastery
Church of San Francesco - Capuchin Friars Monastery
Church of San Francesco - Capuchin Friars Monastery
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
Constructed from 1618 from the Capuchin Friars who came in Monterosso, the Church of San Francesco contains some fine art including a Crucifixion by Antoon Van Dyck, and sono other important Itaian painters from XVII and XVIII centuries. Near the church there is the Monastery of Capuchin Friars a very ancient structure with great garden where Friars live. It is a place of Peace and spirituality with a gorgeus view on the seaside. Here you can live the experience of St. Francis of Assis: semplicity and poverty and show his love for God and the beauty of nature and creation.
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4.5
430 reviews
Excellent
234
Very good
165
Average
29
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Isabel
1 contribution
Jan 2020
This monastery is in a beautiful area of Cinque Terre with a gorgeous view. Our day here was incredible, the people at the monastery were so kind and welcoming, and learning about them and the history of the monastery was amazing. Special thanks to Father Renato for speaking to us and being so lovely, his words were so touching and meant a lot and made me think about the simple things in life and happiness. His loyalty and dedication is heart warming, and this monastery embodies that. Also the cats are gorgeous!!!
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NicoleT
Philadelphia, PA153 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
I saw this church high up on a hill and knew I had to hike to it. It was an easy trek ( to an avid hiker) to get there. I stood in the courtyard outside the doors unsure if I could just go in as I heard music escaping the walls. I creeped open the door and peered around the wall that stood in front of me to see there was nobody there. I stood there in awe. In silence. Having never stood in a spiritual sanctuary completely alone. The chanting monks playing soothingly playing over the speakers I decide to take a seat. I can't tell you how long I sat there but it became overwhelming as tears started streaming. Not sure what happened in that moment but it was releasing. To have had that moment alone with a higher being.... made the sweat to get there worth it. After taking in the simplistic architectural beauty of the monastery I ventured out to the cemetery and took in the names on the tombs and the statues that were placed there. Wondering the stories of all who rested in peace there. It wasn't until just as I was about to leave that I noticed the view. Looking down over the city that now seemed so small and taking in the beauty that spread out over the land and ocean. A trek I would most definitely do again when given the chance.
Written 10 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brewer4
Jax, FL1,539 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
This was not our first attempt to locate this monastery, but this time we found it. 👍😊
On an earlier trip, ( while staying at the Porto Roca), we were encouraged to go behind the hotel, and find a trail to hike up through vineyards to a monastery/Vineyard. Sounded good to us! We hiked for hours and hours. Saw amazing vineyards, found the cemetery, but had no idea we were only a few minutes from the church and scenic monastery. 😏
On our most recent trip, we were determined to locate it, prior to taking off to hike, and found we had gone all the way around the town, rather than a more direct route on the other side of the beach.
These are some important things to know before beginning your climb:
1) The combination of stones, dirt, steps, and asphalt will be found on the curving path that winds around the mountain, towards the monastery. There is an incline, and at times it is steep. You may want to stop and take a breather. The scenery,at any point, is worth stopping to appreciate, take a picture or two, and enjoy a little, peaceful rest.
2). The church is small ( see photos ), but beautiful in its simplicity . Built in 1619 by Capuchin monks, it is a peaceful spot at the top of the mountain. It is a quiet church, minus Gregorian chant recordings that play in the back ground.
3). Kind of a neat piece of info is two Friars lived here for years until the early 1800s, when Napoleon decided to use it for a garrison, for over 50 years.
The "Kingdom" of Italy took it back in the late 1800s, and it then served several purposes including a hospital for Cholera
patients, during the epidemic. Still later, it was used as a warehouse for storing dried fish. Finally, in 1894, it was given back to the Friars.
4) While the church is simpler than the fancier Cathedrals found elsewhere, don't miss the Chance to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness it provides. Also check out the 17th century "Crucifixion," a work by Van Dyke.
5) Just outside of the church are rows and rows of stacked cubicles of the deceased, many with photos etched into the cement and chairs all around, for family and friends who visit. Some even have vases with flowers or plants. We were impressed when we realized that it's the family's responsibility to maintain any plants. It would be quite a commitment to make weekly trips to do so. However, it is not uncommon to find cemeteries out of town, up a mountain, such as this. Because of disease and other concerns, this was common practice.
6) Near the top, facing the ocean is a beautiful statue of a friar and a dog. Makes a great photo spot.
7) Suggestions: go early in the day, if hiking in the summer months. It warms up fast. Wear good walking shoes. This is more a hike than a stroll. ( no handicap considerations).
Take a bottle or two of water. Also a snack , if needed . There is no place to get something to eat or drink until you come back down into town. Allow a couple of hours for the hike up, hike down, walking around the cemetery, seeing the church, and just walking around!
Take a camera! You'll see some of the best views from here.
Enjoy!
On an earlier trip, ( while staying at the Porto Roca), we were encouraged to go behind the hotel, and find a trail to hike up through vineyards to a monastery/Vineyard. Sounded good to us! We hiked for hours and hours. Saw amazing vineyards, found the cemetery, but had no idea we were only a few minutes from the church and scenic monastery. 😏
On our most recent trip, we were determined to locate it, prior to taking off to hike, and found we had gone all the way around the town, rather than a more direct route on the other side of the beach.
These are some important things to know before beginning your climb:
1) The combination of stones, dirt, steps, and asphalt will be found on the curving path that winds around the mountain, towards the monastery. There is an incline, and at times it is steep. You may want to stop and take a breather. The scenery,at any point, is worth stopping to appreciate, take a picture or two, and enjoy a little, peaceful rest.
2). The church is small ( see photos ), but beautiful in its simplicity . Built in 1619 by Capuchin monks, it is a peaceful spot at the top of the mountain. It is a quiet church, minus Gregorian chant recordings that play in the back ground.
3). Kind of a neat piece of info is two Friars lived here for years until the early 1800s, when Napoleon decided to use it for a garrison, for over 50 years.
The "Kingdom" of Italy took it back in the late 1800s, and it then served several purposes including a hospital for Cholera
patients, during the epidemic. Still later, it was used as a warehouse for storing dried fish. Finally, in 1894, it was given back to the Friars.
4) While the church is simpler than the fancier Cathedrals found elsewhere, don't miss the Chance to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness it provides. Also check out the 17th century "Crucifixion," a work by Van Dyke.
5) Just outside of the church are rows and rows of stacked cubicles of the deceased, many with photos etched into the cement and chairs all around, for family and friends who visit. Some even have vases with flowers or plants. We were impressed when we realized that it's the family's responsibility to maintain any plants. It would be quite a commitment to make weekly trips to do so. However, it is not uncommon to find cemeteries out of town, up a mountain, such as this. Because of disease and other concerns, this was common practice.
6) Near the top, facing the ocean is a beautiful statue of a friar and a dog. Makes a great photo spot.
7) Suggestions: go early in the day, if hiking in the summer months. It warms up fast. Wear good walking shoes. This is more a hike than a stroll. ( no handicap considerations).
Take a bottle or two of water. Also a snack , if needed . There is no place to get something to eat or drink until you come back down into town. Allow a couple of hours for the hike up, hike down, walking around the cemetery, seeing the church, and just walking around!
Take a camera! You'll see some of the best views from here.
Enjoy!
Written 26 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nate82
Hamburg, New York55 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
Started my walk at dusk and just kept going up the stairs until I reached the monastery. The crypts provided a creepy experience and some great photos at night. The way back provides some great views of Monterosso al Mare.
Written 19 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia6,027 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
This lovely old church/ monastery is well worth the good hike up the hill and the views over the coast are terrific. We found the old cemetery very interesting and spent a fair bit of time looking around it. The graves are not in the ground but above ground in compartments in large concrete buildings. There are also lots of very old lovely constructed family tomb which are soo interesting I guess a lovely final resting place above the village and spectacular coastline.
Written 14 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
preglad
New York3,506 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Monterosso is an amazingly varied place. In some respects, it is less appreciated among the CT. One of my tour books went so far as labeling it "my least favorite of the villages". (At least he didn't call it the worst or a loser).
For me there is more variety and unique aspect in M al M than a number of its more famous siblings. It goes from busy tourist site to stunning twin churches,to a realm above with an aura which ironically couldn't more absolutely be the antithesis of much beneath.
Let's begin with recalling the man behind the impressive and evocative statue leading to the treasure laden church of San Francesco, as well as the classic cemetery nearby. Francis was a man of considerable family wealth, who as much for aesthetics as faith decided the luxurious trappings of his father's society and legacy were not for him.
He formed an order not focused on self abuse or denial, so much as simplicity and joy in appreciation of the works of his heavenly patriarch, many of whom were fellow creatures of his planet. When we enter the ostensibly simple church, we encounter Van Dyke's engagingly poignant crucifixion scene among other artistic treasures. All could hardly be imagined as more peaceful, especially when compared to the bustle not ten minutes walk below.
For me there is more variety and unique aspect in M al M than a number of its more famous siblings. It goes from busy tourist site to stunning twin churches,to a realm above with an aura which ironically couldn't more absolutely be the antithesis of much beneath.
Let's begin with recalling the man behind the impressive and evocative statue leading to the treasure laden church of San Francesco, as well as the classic cemetery nearby. Francis was a man of considerable family wealth, who as much for aesthetics as faith decided the luxurious trappings of his father's society and legacy were not for him.
He formed an order not focused on self abuse or denial, so much as simplicity and joy in appreciation of the works of his heavenly patriarch, many of whom were fellow creatures of his planet. When we enter the ostensibly simple church, we encounter Van Dyke's engagingly poignant crucifixion scene among other artistic treasures. All could hardly be imagined as more peaceful, especially when compared to the bustle not ten minutes walk below.
Written 12 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lengtan67
Kuala Lumpur1,177 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
Is really not that difficult nor challenging to DIY Cinque Terre, even solo.
Book train ticket with Trenitalia from Roma Termini in Rome to Stazione La Spezia Centrale, the journey would be approximately 3hrs and 50 mins. Hop on to another regional train in the same station but probably on a different platform though, and within minutes, would be in Riomaggiore, the first village in Cinque Terre. Advisable to purchase a multiple rides day pass to all the 5 villages as it only cost Euro 13 instead of per trip to each village at Euro 2.
Plenty of walking in order to thoroughly cover all the 5 villages. Be mindful of the steps and steep slopes in most villages especially to this church but the hike is definitely worth it; not only the spectacular view if we are to ascend via the coastal trail. I choose to ascend via the coastal trail and descend using the route heading back to the village center.
The church is simply quaint and serene that you have to experience for yourself (See the photos for yourself).
Remember to travel light when visiting Cinque Terre especially those who intend to stay in one its villages besides having a good pair of walking shoes is a must. And for those who have an extra day, travel to Levanto on the same regional train and hike to get an awesome bird's eye view of all the 5 coastal villages of Cinque Terre ... spectacular. I was there in winter, so most trails between the villages are closed but the hike in Levanto was definitely an awesome one.
Book train ticket with Trenitalia from Roma Termini in Rome to Stazione La Spezia Centrale, the journey would be approximately 3hrs and 50 mins. Hop on to another regional train in the same station but probably on a different platform though, and within minutes, would be in Riomaggiore, the first village in Cinque Terre. Advisable to purchase a multiple rides day pass to all the 5 villages as it only cost Euro 13 instead of per trip to each village at Euro 2.
Plenty of walking in order to thoroughly cover all the 5 villages. Be mindful of the steps and steep slopes in most villages especially to this church but the hike is definitely worth it; not only the spectacular view if we are to ascend via the coastal trail. I choose to ascend via the coastal trail and descend using the route heading back to the village center.
The church is simply quaint and serene that you have to experience for yourself (See the photos for yourself).
Remember to travel light when visiting Cinque Terre especially those who intend to stay in one its villages besides having a good pair of walking shoes is a must. And for those who have an extra day, travel to Levanto on the same regional train and hike to get an awesome bird's eye view of all the 5 coastal villages of Cinque Terre ... spectacular. I was there in winter, so most trails between the villages are closed but the hike in Levanto was definitely an awesome one.
Written 16 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ratna g
7 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
This church in Monterosso. Is Worth the climb. The view is fabulous. There is an original Van Dyck in the church .
Written 28 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EllySleepyHollow_NY
Sleepy Hollow, NY45 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
This was such a wonderful spot. It is a lovely church manned by a single Friar who was watering the flowers when we arrived. It's a steep climb, my husband is goat footed and I am not - but it was worth my huffing and puffing. We have been traveling a lot through Italy and in many fantastic churches - but we agreed that this one felt particularly special. We both sat quietly in it for a nice spell. It is a very peaceful place. There's a Van Dyck "Crucifixion" painting on the wall and there is an eclipsed sun in the picture. There is an amazing cemetery a bit further up the hill and that is not to be missed. The clergy are buried at the tip top but not facing the sea. They are pointed to the holy sanctuary.
Written 4 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry L
Kelowna, Canada712 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
This church is up a fair climb from the village although the stairs are well maintained. There are rewards along the way: fabulous views of the Monterosso harbor and coastline. The church itself is interesting as well. It is a relatively simple design, with the striped facade common in the region. Inside, there are several paintings by notable artists including a crucifixion by Van Dyck. Tip: women should wear a shirt with sleeves and pants or skirt over the knees. Otherwise, you cannot enter the little church.
Written 27 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Per favore dimmi come puoi visitare la chiesa di San Francesco e vedere l'immagine della crocifissione di Van Dyck?
Non riesco a trovare l'orario e le ore di visita. pianifichiamo un viaggio nell'agosto 2018
grazie in anticipo!
Olga, Russia, Siberia)
Written 12 June 2018
La chiesa è aperta e visitabile liberamente tutti i giorni dell'anno. Ti aspettiamo
Written 12 June 2018
Buonasera,
tra qualche giorno sarò alle cinque terre e sto cercando un posto dove alloggiare. Ciò è possibile presso il convento dei Frati Cappuccini?
Chi c'è stato mi direbbe com'è andata?
Grazie mille :)
Written 16 August 2017
li non ho mai alloggiato (e non so se sia possibile), ma non sottovalutare la stessa La Spezia come punto logistico da cui partire per l'escursione alle 5 terre (il treno con relativo biglietto giornaliero è comodissimo).
Written 16 August 2017
Hi,
How steep is the clime? Is it stairs or just a path? Can older people in their 60s make it?
Thank you very much.
Written 4 July 2017
My sis is 74, I'm 69, no problem at all. Slow and easy. Take water. Lots of trees for shade. Lovely.
Written 4 July 2017
Arriving Monterosso via train. Plan to walk east along Via Fegina towards old city. Where exactly does the climb to Chiesa di San Francesco begin and is it well marked? Thank you!
Written 24 June 2017
Hi you will find two ways to get up on the hill. it's quite easy and you nedd not more than 10 minutes.
Written 26 June 2017
Non glielo saprei dire. Non vivo li
Written 26 August 2016
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