The Church of San Francesco
Situated immediately in front of the main entrance to the Country, Porta di San Francesco (Gate of San Francesco); the Church and the attached Convent of Friars Minor, both founded in 1361. This the oldest sanctuary of the Republic, restored many times during the course of the XVII and XVIII centuries following the neoclassic style which characterizes it today. The facade and the portico have recently been brought back to their original design by the architect Gino Zani (1882-1964). The convent, was originally located in the locality of Murata. Pope Clement VII authorized the transfer to a safer place, due to the continuous raids of the Malatesta of Rimini. The wooden crucifix on the main altar dates back to the XIV century and could have come from the ancient Church of Murata.
On March 15, 1966, the San Marino State Museum and Art Gallery were inaugurated in the two cloisters of the courtyard. The Museum contains various masterpieces; among which, a painting by Guercino and other works from artists of the XV and XVI centuries.
The Gate of St. Francis (Porta di San Francesco)
The main entrance point to the City, built in 1361 for defensive purposes.