The basilica was built in 1257 to house the body of Santa Chiara (Clare of Assisi), the noblewoman who left a wealthy family to follow Francis and founded the Order of Poor Ladies — the Poor Clares. It is built in the same simple Italian Gothic style as San Francesco, with a single nave, transept, and squat bell tower, all in the distinctive pink-and-white stripes of Assisi stone.
Inside, the highlight is the crypt where Santa Chiara's body lies in a glass case, alongside the Crucifix of San Damiano — the very crucifix that, according to tradition, spoke to St. Francis and told him to "rebuild my church." The basilica's terrace offers an excellent view across the Umbrian plain. Less crowded than San Francesco but no less moving.