The Chiesa Nuova was built above the house of Giovan Battista Bini, where sup­posedly St. Francis was born. It was purchased in 1615 by Brother Alessandro di Trejo, Vicar General of the Minori dell'Osservanza, with money granted by the King of Spain Philip III. The first stone was laid by Bishop Marcello Crescenzi on August 30, 1615, as is stated on a tablet attached to the facade. It was already in use in 1621, although it was not consecrated until 1691.
The design of the building, based on that of Sant'Eligio degli Orefici in Rome, is an interesting example of Renaissance revival architecture. From the records it ap­pears that the work was done by Brother Rufino da Cerchiara.
The brick facade is marked by four pilasters supporting a Doric trabeation with an attic and tympanum above which rises a hemispheric dome. The architrave por­tal has a divided tympanum on corbels which bears the coat of arms of Philip III bordered by the emblems of the Franciscan Order and of Alessandro di Trejo. The I floor plan is that of a Greek cross with an octagonal center (A). The extensions as Uyell as the center are covered by domes.

Texts Kindly offered by: Editrice Minerva Assisi