The interior of the the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Francisco

A detail from a painting by Giovanni Cimabue, in the lower level of the Basilica at Assisi.

The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Francisco

The Interior of
Saint Francis of Assisi Church

“Whenever we come to church, we must prepare our hearts to be as beautiful as we expect this church to be. Do you wish to find this basilica immaculately clean? Then do not soil your soul with the filth of sins. Do you wish this basilica to be full of light? God too wishes that your soul be not in darkness, but that the light of good works shine in us, so that he who dwells in the heavens will be glorified. Just as you enter this church building, so God wishes to enter into your soul, for he promised: I shall live in them, and I shall walk the corridors of their hearts.”
—Saint Caesarius of Arles
(Sermo 229,3)

Photograph by Paul Flores

The altar of Saint Francis Church,
seen through the window of
the front door.

Photograph by Paul Flores

The Altar of Repose.

The Tabernacle.


The Sanctuary viewed from the left.		The Sanctuary viewed from the right.

Photograph by Paul Flores

The organ and choir loft at the rear of the church, viewed from the sanctuary.


The rear of the church,viewed along the east aisle.		The rear of the church, viewed along the west aisle.


The front of the church,viewed along the west aisle.		The front of the church, viewed along the east aisle.

The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi. Photograph by Paul Flores.

All photographs on this page Copyright © 2002 by Paul Flores
Used with permission.

Museum quality prints are available from the photographer.
Post cards of some images on this page are available in the Shrine’s Franciscan Centre Gift Shop.

E-mail: paulflores@stjoephoto.com