Assisi to Host 50 Madonnari for 800th Anniversary of St. Francis
From August 28 to 30, 2026, more than fifty Madonnari will convene at the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi for 'Francesco nell'arte dei Madonnari', marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis's passing. This event, organized by the Comune di Assisi and the Sacro Convento, will showcase a 50-square meter artwork titled 'La visione di San Francesco', created by twelve selected Madonnari based on a design by Kurt Wenner, the pioneer of 3D pavement art. Chosen during the 52nd National Meeting of Madonnari held from August 13 to 16, the artists will labor continuously until August 30. The event will wrap up with a blessing at 11:30 AM, and the pieces will be on display until September 1, 2026.
Key facts
- Over 50 Madonnari from various countries will create a collective artwork and 40 individual pieces in Assisi from August 28-30, 2026.
- The event 'Francesco nell'arte dei Madonnari' marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis.
- The central work 'La visione di San Francesco' is a 50-square-meter drawing by 12 Madonnari based on a design by Kurt Wenner.
- The Madonnari were selected through the 52nd National Meeting in Grazie di Curtatone, held August 13-16.
- The works will be created on a special linoleum support, allowing for conservation.
- The event is organized by the Comune di Assisi with the Sacro Convento di Assisi.
- The design includes figures such as Pope John Paul II, Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, Chiara d'Assisi, and San Carlo Acutis.
- The works will be blessed on August 30 at 11:30 and remain on display until September 1, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Kurt Wenner
- Chiara d’Assisi
- Jacopa de’ Settesoli
- Carlo Acutis
- Giovanni Paolo II
- Papa Francesco
- Leone XIV
Institutions
- Comune di Assisi
- Sacro Convento di Assisi
- Federalberghi Umbria
- UNPLI Umbria
- Antichissima Fiera delle Grazie
- Comitato nazionale per la celebrazione dell'ottavo centenario della morte di San Francesco
- Basilica di San Francesco
- Sacro Convento
- Comitato nazionale per l’ottavo centenario francescano
Locations
- Assisi
- Italy
- Curtatone
- Mantua
- Basilica di San Francesco
- Grazie di Curtatone
- Umbria