09261997 Earthquake in Assisi

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In the early afternoon of September 26, 1997 a sequence of earthquakes hit the Italian province of Umbria. The two main quakes, with a magnitude of 5.6-5.8, were followed by a series of aftershocks - one aftershock was so strong that it caused the partial collapse of the damaged roof of the basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. This dramatic event was filmed, which would help to evaluate the damage sustained by the historic frescos of the ceiling.

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi was hit in the night of 26 September 1997, and later, a stronger quake again at 11:42 a.m. resulting in the collapse of two frescoed vaults of the upper Basilica, and considerable damage to the wall of cavity construction. Cracks, partial collapses and permanent deformations were initiated throughout the Convent. 

The mainshock was assigned X (Extreme) and foreshock VIII (Severe) on the Mercalli intensity scale.

This paper reports on the activities of the first structural experts summoned to the scene, and on the urgent measures that were carried out to stabilize this monument.

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