Sant Francesc is all that survives of the old Franciscan friary. The order founded it in 1573, dedicated to Saint Anthony, on the site of a medieval chapel to that saint, where the Glorieta gardens are today.
History
The first church collapsed in heavy rain in 1597 because of poor building work, and a new one was built where the present church stands, completed shortly after 1615.
After the disentailment of 1835 the friars were expelled and the building decayed so badly that by around 1845 it was almost in ruins. It was bought by Joaquina Osca, from one of the most powerful families of the time, who rebuilt it with financial help from local people, and it reopened for worship in the second half of the 19th century. After damage in the Civil War it was remodelled again into its present form.
What it's like
A single-nave church with seven bays and chapels between the buttresses. Simplicity and austerity dominate, typical of Franciscan architecture: round arches, barrel vaults and the choir at the west end, as in other Valencian Franciscan churches. The side door is Baroque, later than the rest of the building.
Visiting
It's on the Carrer Major (Gomis section), close to Sant Carles Borromeo and the noble palaces.
Source: Ontinyent Tourism.
