Immediately to the north of the Memorial Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a re-creation of the Portiuncula Chapel, the original of which is located near Assisi, Italy. This chapel is central to the importance of Saint Francis. He reported that he had a dream while staying the night in the abandoned and delapidated chapel that the crucifix came alive, and Christ said to him three times, "Francis, Francis, go and repair My house, which, as you can see, is falling into ruins." He took this direction to mean that he should literally repair the chapel, which he did. In time, however, he came to follow a wider calling, influencing others to follow him in repairing the wider church spiritually. The Franciscans spread widely in the world, but this chapel near Assisi is regarded as the heart of the Fransciscan orders.

This is a view of the inside of the Portiuncula Chapel.

This is a closer view of the altar and surrounding area.

Here is a closer view of the crucifix over the alter. Note the apostles shown on either side above his head.

This is a close-up of the painting over the crucifix, showing the annunciation: the Virgin Mary receiving news from an angel that she will miraculously give birth to Jesus.

In several places in the walls inside the Portiuncula are little niches, and in this one is a small statue depicting Saint Francis with friendly animals. Saint Francis is often depicted in art as being affectionate toward animals.