Church of San Francesco a Ripa

This small Roman church is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, the major Italian patron saint, who spent his days living here and whose room can still be accessed by visitors today. It is also the first church of the Franciscan order, probably constructed as early as the 12th century AD. Last but not least, the church is a home to one of the most scandalous statues by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni.

The church has undergone several reconstructions, most of the building as we see it today is dated to the 17th and 18th century. However, it has remained closely linked to the person of Saint Francis throughout the ages. It still belongs to the convent of brothers of the Order of Friars Minor of St. Francis, followers of the Saint's teaching.