CONVENTUAL CHURCH OF SAN FRANCESCO
The church, of Franciscan origin, was built on a hill outside the walls in 1612. It is annexed to the former convent of the Minor Friars, who lived there until 1867, when they were definitively removed by the Italian government. The church has an imposing facade, rebuilt in the nineteenth century in a neoclassical style, in which the War Memorial of the First World War is located.
Inside, works of great interest are preserved. In the second altar on the right, the canvas of the Nativity stands out, identical to the one in the parish church: a curious case that reflects the historic rivalry between the Franciscan friars and the priests of the collegiate church, both eager to make their buildings richer in works of art.
The choice of the organ is also unique: despite Montecarotto boasting a famous organ-building school, the Franciscan friars entrusted the creation of the instrument to Pietro Nacchini, of Dalmatian origin and mentor in Venice of Gaetano Callido.
Of extraordinary refinement are the scagliola altar frontals (paliotti) that adorn the six side altars, depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Anthony Abbot, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Anthony of Padua, surrounded by splendid floral motifs rich in symbolic meaning.
The church houses the tomb of Father Bonaventura Mondavi, a friar who lived here until his death on June 13, 1784. A religious man of heroic virtues, he earned the affection and veneration of the townspeople. Numerous miraculous healings were reported through his intercession, particularly involving children. Father Bonaventura Mondavi has been declared a Servant of God, the first stage in the process of beatification and canonization.
For info and activities of the Parish
www.parrocchiamontecarotto.it