The Screen of Prete Ilario
Upon entering the Porziuncola, one is immediately struck by the light and the colours of the Altar Screen of Prete Ilario da Viterbo (1393).
The story of the Indulgence of Assisi is recounted in a series of five paintings: Francis throws himself amongst the thorns in order to overcome temptation; he is accompanied by two angels whilst going towards the Porziuncola; inside it he contemplates the apparition of Jesus and the Virgin and asks for the plenary indulgence; he asks for confirmation of this from the Pope and finally declares to all the great gift received from Christ and the Church.

Inside the Porziuncola
It conserves all the freshness of the original Franciscan austerity. The roughly hewn stones remind us of the inexpert hand of Francis, the young restorer. But emanating from them is the echo of incessant prayer which for centuries has been directed towards heaven from this "little portion" of land. Millions of souls have crossed the threshold of this "door to eternal life" and have kneeled here in order to rediscover the peace and forgiveness of the great Indulgence. On the threshold of this little church are written the words "hic locus sanctus est", this is a holy place, because God descended here to meet Francis and whoever enters here in faith.