The basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built between 1569 and 1679, encloses an older, 9th Century church, the Porziuncola. This was considered to be the most sacred place for the Franciscans as it was here that Francis of Assisi decided to renounce the world, and began the Franciscan movement. The Porziuncola Museum is located in the old church area and is one of the integral parts of the pilgrim itinerary, which also takes in the Transito chapel and the Cappella delle Rose. The museum contains some fine works of art.
