The Light Within: The St. Francis Miracle in Assisi
Among the most cherished treasures of Palazzo Sbaraglini lies a small, consecrated chapel, steeped in history, mystery, and profound spiritual depth. This sacred room is not only a symbol of the building’s noble past, but also the silent witness of a unique, transformative moment in Franciscan tradition — what many reverently refer to as the St. Francis Miracle.
It was here, within the private, peaceful confines of this quiet chapel, that Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have experienced one of his most mystical, awe-inspiring episodes: a moment of divine levitation and vision, observed by Bernardo di Quintavalle, his first companion and trusted friend. The miracle is said to have taken place in the early 13th century, when Saint Francis was welcomed into the residence by a family deeply devoted to his spiritual mission.
As he knelt in prayer, a brilliant, otherworldly celestial light is said to have filled the room, enveloping Francis in a radiant glow that suspended him above the ancient stone floor. Bernardo, overwhelmed by the sacredness and intensity of the moment, later described it as a revelation — not only of divine presence, but of Francis’s unbreakable, luminous union with God.
A Hidden Sanctuary of the St. Francis Miracle: Silence Beyond the Basilica
Unlike the more well-known basilicas and shrines, this private chapel remains a hidden sanctuary, protected from time and tourism. It is in this space — intimate and unassuming — that one encounters not the grandeur of pilgrimage, but the stillness of true mysticism, the kind that whispers rather than proclaims, that lingers long after you’ve departed, leaving the soul quietly transformed by the silent echo of the St. Francis Miracle.
Bernardo di Quintavalle, a nobleman from Assisi and the first to follow Francis’s radical path of poverty and devotion, left no written record of the event. Yet for centuries, the memory of that sacred moment was passed down through the Sbaraglini family, guardians of this profound legacy. The chapel’s spiritual resonance has remained intact, preserved not only in its architecture, but in the reverent silence that pervades the room — a silence that many believe still carries the essence of the St. Francis Miracle.
Visitors today often report feeling an inexplicable sense of peace, as though the atmosphere itself holds the imprint of that miracle. It is a place where the veil between history and eternity seems thinner, where one can meditate, reflect, or simply breathe in the quiet holiness of what transpired.
A Spiritual Experience for the Present Day Traveler
For those seeking more than a destination — for those seeking meaning — the St. Francis Miracle Chapel at Palazzo Sbaraglini offers a rare invitation. It is not open to the public like other monuments, but reserved for guests who choose to immerse themselves in a stay defined by elegance, privacy, and spiritual presence.
In this sanctuary, travelers can reconnect with the deeper essence of Assisi, one that transcends tourism and touches the soul. Among the many miracles of St Francis, this chapel holds a unique place — a space where history, mystery, and holiness converge. Whether you are drawn by history, faith, or the silent beauty of sacred places, this is where your journey transforms into experience.
Stay Where the Light Once Fell
Book your stay at Palazzo Sbaraglini and walk the same stone floor where Saint Francis knelt in divine ecstasy, where Bernardo di Quintavalle bore witness to a light from heaven — one of the most intimate St Francis of Assisi miracles ever remembered. Let the silence of this chapel echo in your heart, and find in its stillness the inspiration you’ve been seeking.
This is not just a place to sleep — it is a place to awaken.
