In the crypt of the lower church is St. Francis' tomb. St. Francis himself wanted a humble burial place, with the criminals on what was called "Inferno Hill", outside the city walls. His closest follower, Brother Elia, followed the letter if not the spirit of his wish: he waited until Francis was made a saint, and then in 1228 began construction of a two-storey basilica on that hill which was now given a new name, the "Hill of Paradise.
-continue to upper church of the Basilica
