The Franciscan Cloister, an ancient part of the Franciscan convent that stood before the new cathedral was built, is now the architectural link between the Cathedral, Sistine Chapel and Bishop’s Palace.

It was formerly referred to as “The Cloister of the Dead” because the garden was used as a cemetery for the Franciscan Friars. It is one of the two cloisters in the convent that arose in the first half of the 13th century and was completed in the late 15th. In it the future Savona popes Sixtus IV and Julius II started their religious life.

Its square plan structure consists of a portico that runs along the entire perimeter and is supported by rectangular and hexagonal pillars. In the center of the cloister, vine plants, a symbol of the Eucharist, emerge from a turf underlining the sunny atmosphere of peace. Surrounding it are the Cathedral, the Sistine Chapel and the Bishop’s Palace with the attached Diocesan Archives.

During the restoration work completed in 2018, in addition to the masonry works, the fresco fragments referable to the Franciscan monastery were enhanced. “St. George with a kneeling knight” from the late 14th century appears on the west side of the cloister. On the same wall dates from the mid-15th century the “Madonna and Child.”

The facade of the Sistine Chapel has been recovered in its original decorations by bringing out the faux slate slabs that decorate the upper part. At the same time, architectural barriers were broken down by superimposing a painted iron floor over the walking surface.

St. George with a kneeling knight – late 14th century

Madonna and Child – mid-15th century