San Francesco, Assisi - Lower Church

Chapel of San Nicola (St. Nicholas of Bari)

This chapel is at the end of the North transept, and was built at the end of the thirteenth century at the behest of the splendidly named Cardinal Napoleone Orsini Frangipani, following the death of his brother Giovanni Gaetano who is buried here. Napoleone was a cardinal for over fifty years, and was a big player in the politics of the time. It is assumed that in selecting St. Nicholas as the dedication Napoleone was honouring his uncle, Pope Nicholas III. 

Tomb of Giovanni Gaetano

Fresco over the entrance showing the Orsini brothers and other cardinals along with St. Francis. This fresco had been covered with paint early in its history, and only rediscovered in 1974. Early Italian politics?

A selection of the St. Nicholas frescoes. They are hopefully ascribed to Giotto, or Giotto's assistants, but if so would be early works, predating the Scrovegni chapel. The name Palmerino di Guido is also cited. 

Throwing the golden Balls to three poor girls

Appearing to Constantine in a dream

St Nicholas forgiving the Consul

Saving the three innocents from execution

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