Originally built in a Romanesque-Gothic style in 1337, the Franciscan Monastery was one of the few buildings to retain some of its original architecture after the 1667 earthquake.
Among its earliest surviving features is the south door, designed in 1499 in a Venetian Gothic style and featuring a beautiful carving (Pieta). Considered to be its piece de resistance, however, are the late Romanesque cloisters and their double columns topped with animal, human and plant carvings (capitals). Other original features include a 15th-century marble pulpit, bell tower and fountain.
The Franciscan Monastery also contains an unmissable pharmacy (1317) and a museum. Believed to be the oldest working pharmacy in Europe, you can see original laboratory instruments, mortars and jars on display here.
The museum contains more fascinating 14th century pharmacy equipment, a well-stocked library and precious religious art and artifacts belonging to the Franciscan order.
