Discover the wonders of Assisi, a city rich in history and culture, located in the heart of Umbria. Whether you're passionate about history, art or nature, Assisi has something for everyone. In this article, we present the 15 must-see sights not to be missed during your visit. From the famous Basilica of St. Francis to charming medieval streets, natural sites and museums, Assisi is a destination that's sure to enchant. Dive into our comprehensive guide to plan your stay and make sure you don't miss out on any of the treasures of this emblematic city.
1. Visit the Basilica of San Fransesco
The Basilica of San Francesco is a splendid basilica, a symbol of human brotherhood, and a must-see on any visit to Assisi. This masterpiece of medieval architecture takes the form of a double church. The upper basilica, in the French Gothic style, marvels at the light that floods its turquoise-blue ceiling, and at the murals by Giotto (1296), illustrating episodes from the life of St. Francis. The lower basilica is a more austere, less luminous space in the Gothic-Romanesque style. It is dominated by the stone tomb containing the remains of St. Francis and his relics. The transepts are adorned with superb frescoes by Pietro Lorenzetti, Giotto and Simone Martini. Above the central altar, Giotto's work allows us to follow the life of St. Francis, marked by absolute poverty and chastity.
Click here to book your guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis with a passionate guide.
2. The Basilica Treasure Museum
A visit to the Basilica's Treasure Museum is an enriching addition to your discovery of this famous place of worship, already rich in works of art. The museum exhibits a variety of cult objects, including an ivory Madonna con Bambino (Madonna and Child), 17th-century Murano glassworks and fragments of the Holy Cross. It is also home to the Perkins Collection, donated by Frederick Mason Perkins, an important collection of Italian art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
See also our article What to do and see in Umbria? The 17 must-sees.
3. Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is a huge church with three naves, five chapels and numerous frescoes and statues dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. This sanctuary, one of the most beautiful in Italy, was a favorite place of meditation for St. Francis. The basilica, in its present form, was built between 1569 and 1679 and is crowned bya beautiful dome and a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior, in the shape of a Latin cross, comprises three naves, five chapels and several frescoes and statues from the 16th and 17th centuries. At the center of the basilica, as if in a jewel case, is the modest Porziuncola (Porziuncola) chapel , cradle of the Franciscan order.
Every August 2, during the "pardon of Assisi", pilgrims from all over the world come to the Porziuncola to ask God for the gift of indulgence for their sins.
4. What to do in Assisi Visit the Hermitage of Prisons
The Hermitage of the Prisons is a pleasant site with a convent and grotto that was one of St. Francis' retreats in Assisi. After a 4 km walk, you'll discover the hermitage, nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio, among beech and holm oak trees, at 791 m altitude. Several caves carved into the rock and narrow passages leading to the refectory and grotto served as retreats for St. Francis and his followers, who led a very sober monastic life. Blessed Andrew of Spello, a perfect model of obedience, also lived here for many years. In 1400, St. Bernardino of Siena had a small convent built here, which can be visited today.
Looking for something unusual to do in Assisi? Take an unusual tour of the city in a tuk-tuk by booking right here !
6. Visit the San Damiano convent
The San Damiano convent is one of the Franciscan high places, where it all began. It was here, absorbed in prayer, that St. Francis is said to have heard a crucifix speak to him: "Francesco, go and repair my house, which, as you can see, is in ruins" (alluding to the Church's crisis). It was also here, in 1225, that he wrote the Canticle of Brother Sun (or Canticle of Creatures), one of the first gems of nascent Italian literature. Of Benedictine origin, this convent, which has remained intact, is a fine example of 13th-century religious construction. Enjoy the gardens, the pretty 15th-century cloister, the refectory and the former dormitory, where St. Clare died in 1253. The austere setting gives an idea of the harsh monastic life in medieval times.
Tip: if you're on foot, you'll need to walk a kilometer or so from Assisi's historic center, past Porta Nuova, then a short stretch of Viale Vittorio Emanuele II and turn left at Santuraggio; a little further on, a piazza leads to the San Damiano convent.
See also our article Italy's 15 most beautiful villages.
7. Climb to Rocca Maggiore
The Rocca Maggiore is a remarkable castle with a dungeon displaying a fine collection of photos and medieval costumes. This defensive structure majestically overlooks the town. You'll need a little courage to brave the heat as you take the via Porta, then the stairs and path leading up to the watchtower. The panorama is well worth the effort, and the keep houses a collection of photos and costumes from Assisi's medieval festivals. This is a former Franciscan convent (some frescoes by the Giotto school), built in the 14th century on a fortress belonging to the German Emperor Frederick of Hohenstaufen, known as Barbarossa.
Book my hot-air balloon flight over Assisi
8. What to do in Assisi Enter the Basilica of Santa Chiara
This Gothic basilica is dedicated to St. Clare (1194-1253), the first female disciple of St. Francis and founder of the Poor Clare Order, inspired by Franciscan spirituality. The basilica was built by Filippo di Campello between 1257 and 1265 on the foundations of the pre-existing Church of St. George, of which a chapel and crypt have been preserved. The simple but beautiful facade is made of white and pink limestone, typical of the Subasio region, and features a superb rose window. Inside, the nave with its four high bays is simple and modest. Majestic arcades support both sides of the basilica. It houses frescoes by artists of the Giotto school (13th century), the crucifix in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, which is said to have spoken to St. Francis, and, in the crypt, the saint's body and relics (tunics, shoes and locks of hair).
On this guided walking tour, you'll see the places where St. Francis and St. Clare lived in Assisi's historic center. In particular, you'll visit the most important churches.
9. San Rufino Cathedral
Construction of the San Rufino Cathedral began in the 12th century, commissioned by Bishop Ugone, on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Rufino, martyr and patron saint of the city, was buried. The capanna façade, a masterpiece of Umbrian Romanesque art (one of the highest examples of Romanesque art), features three highly decorated portals and three large rosettes that filter the light. The imposing campanile was built on a Roman cistern dating from the 2nd century BC. The interior features three naves, separated by massive pillars. A number of 17th- and 18th-century paintings are worthy of note, notably those by Dono Doni. The interior, renovated in the 16th century, contains the baptismal font in which St. Francis, St. Clare and, according to tradition, Frederick II of Swabia were baptized.
10. What to do in Assisi The Museo e Foro Romano
The façade of the Roman Forum Museum is adorned with six fluted columns with Corinthian capitals. Inside, you can observe Etruscan and Roman remains. The forum, discovered during excavations in 1836, lies beneath the Place de la Commune. It still preserves the ancient Roman pavement, testifying to that civilization's advance in civil engineering. The foundations of the 1st-century BC Temple of Minerva (which conceals a 17th-century church) and the courthouse platform are also to be found here.
11. Stroll around the Piazza del comune
This medieval piazza is Assisi's historic center and the heart of its social life. At the center of the Piazza del Comune stands an imposing ornamental fountain, adorned with three lions. In this square, you'll also find the tourist office and the Palazzo dei Priori, dating from 1337 (now the town hall), which houses the Pinacoteca Comunale on the second floor. You can visit the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo with its crenellated tower, as well as the Roman temple of Minerva, converted into a church in the Middle Ages. Heading north, you'll come directly to the Basilica of San Francesco.
Click here to book your guided walking tour of the old town. Your guide will immerse you in the history of Assisi, following in the footsteps of the people who made the town famous the world over: St. Francis and St. Clare
12. The Pinacoteca in the beautiful Palazzo Vallemani
The Palazzo Vallemani, a Baroque residence with ceilings adorned with numerous 17th-century frescoes, houses the collections of the Municipal Gallery of Assisi. The pinacoteca displays frescoes dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, from Assisi and the surrounding region, and rescued from destroyed buildings. Among the works to be admired are creations by Pinturicchio, Dono Doni, Pietro Perugino (known as Perugino) and, above all, Giotto's Maestà.
13. San Pietro Abbey
Restored after the 1997 earthquake seriously damaged its foundations, the Abbey of San Pietro is a must-see on any cultural itinerary of the city. Founded by a Benedictine community, the abbey is an example of a Gothic-Romanesque building dating from 1029, rebuilt in the 12th century. The interior is particularly noteworthy for its pure forms and the frescoes in the left nave. The abbey is divided into three naves by solid pillars and features three entrance doors.
14. Dining at one of Assisi's finest restaurants
Medioevo is one of Assisi's finest restaurants. Situated in a picturesque setting in the heart of the ancient city walls, the restaurant offers simple, refined seasonal dishes. We particularly liked the fagianetti with truffles, for example, which are delicious. The house makes a point of using local products: the meat comes exclusively from Umbrian and Tuscan farms, the olive oil from the Umbrian hills, the fresh pasta is handmade, and the selection of salami and artisan cheeses is carefully chosen.
Address: Via Arco dei Priori, 4 Assise - Assisi
Immerse yourself in an authentic 4-course meal with dessert and drinks when you book this private dining experience in Assisi. You'll watch a cooking demonstration and sample authentic recipes in the company of locals.
15. What to do in Assisi Wine tasting
Located in the heart of Umbria, Assisi is famous not only for its historical and religious heritage, but also for its vineyards and quality wines. During your visit, don't miss the opportunity to taste local wines, such as Sagrantino di Montefalco, a robust and flavorful red wine , or Grechetto, a fresh and aromatic white wine. Many wineries and vineyards around Assisi offer guided tours and tastings, allowing you to discover the secrets of winemaking and savor the unique aromas of the region.
Taste the most sumptuous combinations of sweet and dry wines with cheeses, jams and other typical Umbrian dishes by booking your organic wine and cheese tastingright here.
By booking right here you can also visit one of Umbria's oldest organic family wineries. You'll discover the secrets of wine-making and taste five wines paired with local dishes.
Discover the most popular things to do in Assisi here:
Where to stay in Assisi?
Finding accommodation in Assisi is essential to making the most of your stay in this city rich in history and culture. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a charming guesthouse or a budget apartment, Assisi offers a variety of options to suit all budgets and tastes. For an authentic experience, opt for a hotel located in the historic center, close to major attractions such as the Basilica of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare.
Hotels such as the Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum and the Fontebella Palace Hotel are renowned for their comfort and ideal location.
The Nun Relais, which you can book hereis the brilliant result of the renovation of the 13th-century monastery of Santa Caterina and the Roman amphitheatre on which it is built. The frescoes, vaulted ceilings and authentic stonework have been tastefully restored. The 18 guest rooms combine design, comfort, technology and history. Some have superb views, others not so much! The wellness center offers a hydromassage pool and a wide range of treatments.
The Fontebella Palace Hotel, which you can book right here, , is a hotel located in the historic center of Assisi, just a few steps from the Basilica of San Francesco. Housed in the Palazzo Ferri Benigni Illuminati Scatena, this hotel offers a unique experience, immersing you in the history of the city. Rooms are arranged on different floors, each representing a different historical period, from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. The hotel also boasts a rose garden with a breathtaking view over the Umbrian valley, where you can enjoy breakfast.
If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, hotels like Le Silve di Armenzano offer a warm welcome and valuable local advice.
Le Silve di Armenzano , which you can book right here, is located in the Subasio Natural Park, about 20 minutes from Assisi, on the side of one of the hills overlooking the valley. Completely restructured and modified, this 10th-century inn offers beautiful architecture bathed in restful calm. 3 panoramic swimming pools are available. The restaurant serves local recipes made in part with produce from the property.
How do I get to Assisi?
Getting to Assisi is relatively easy, thanks to a variety of means of transport. Here are a few options for getting there:
By plane
- Perugia-Sant'Egidio airport: This is the nearest airport to Assisi, located around 12 km from Perugia. It offers national and international flights.
- Rome-Fiumicino airport: Located about 160 km from Assisi, this is one of Italy's main international airports.
- Florence-Peretola airport: Located around 150 km from Assisi, it also offers national and international flights.
By train
- Perugia train station: The region's main train station, served by regional and national trains. From here, you can take a bus or cab to Assisi.
- Foligno station: Another important station in Umbria, well connected to the main Italian cities.
By car
- A1 freeway: links Rome to Florence and passes close to Umbria.
- E45 freeway: links Rome with Ravenna and passes through Umbria.
What to see in Assisi in 1 day
Visiting Assisi in a day can be intense, but with the right planning, you can discover the main historical and cultural sites of this heritage-rich city. Here's a suggested itinerary for a day in Assisi:
Morning
- Start your day with a visit to the famous Basilica of St. Francis, a must-see in Assisi. Admire the frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue illustrating the life of Saint Francis. Next, visit the Basilica of St. Clare, located close to the Basilica of St. Francis and dedicated to the saint who was St. Francis' first female disciple. Don't miss the crypt where the saint is laid to rest.
Lunch
- Enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants, tasting typical Italian Umbrian specialties.
Afternoon
- Stroll around the Piazza del Comune, the heart of Assisi's social life. Admire the ornamental fountain and historic buildings such as the Palazzo dei Priori and the Temple of Minerva.
- Visit the Hermitage of the Carceri, a retreat where St. Francis used to come to meditate. Enjoy the panoramic view and the tranquil setting.
- Visit the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-des-Anges. This huge basilica houses the Portiuncula, a small chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan order. Admire the frescoes and the beautiful dome.
Evening
- End your day with a stroll through Assisi's picturesque cobbled streets. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and views of the surrounding countryside.
Wondering what to do in Italy? Discover our selection of 27 must-sees!
