Assisi Italy — Top Things to do in Assisi
Assisi (Italy) has been a popular destination for pilgrims since the 13th century. Most travelers come to pay homage to St. Francis, who was born and buried in the town.
St. Francis is the founder of the Franciscan order, patron saint of Italy, and one of the most popular Catholic saints in history. That said, you don’t have to be religious to enjoy your visit to this beautiful down.
Surrounded by the Umbrian hills and Monte Subasio forests, it is a well-preserved medieval town with lots of beauty and attractions.
Not only is Assisi, home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site itself. It has plenty of great architecture and art and buildings that hold historical significance, such as the Basilica di San Francesco.
If you’re planning to visit Assisi, soon, then you’re in the right place. We’ll cover some of the most exciting things do in Assisi, as well as a few tips to make your visit a great experience.
Attractions in Assisi (Italy)
There is a lot to see here, but these are the can-miss highlights.
The Basilica of St. Francis
This church is by far the largest and most famous attraction in the town. It’s arguably also the most attractive. It’s so large that you can see it from miles away. The church started in 1228 and got finished after the completion of the upper church in 1253.
The Basilica Superiore is the upper church, while the lower one is called the Basilica Inferiore. The upper church has 28 frescoes by Giotto, with each fresco showing a scene from the life of St. Francis. The lower church contains works by Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti, and Cimabue. Here you will also find St. Francis of Assisi’s tomb, which is known as the Cripta di San Francesco.
Rocca Maggiore
This 14th-century castle sits right at the top of Assisi. It is a great place to take in the panoramic views of the city. From here, you can see Assisi below, the valleys surrounding it, and Perugia to the north.
Cardinal Albornoz built the Rocca Maggiore, supposedly to inspire fear and submission in the townspeople below. Over the centuries, it has been pillaged, restored, and expanded repeatedly.
Duomo di San Rufino
This cathedral is also popularly known as the Assisi Cathedral. It has an intimate connection to the life of St. Francis and is a popular destination for pilgrims.
The facade is in the Romanesque style and features three rose windows. The interior was remodeled in the 16th century, while the exterior is from the 13th century. At the Duomo, you will find the fountain where St. Francis got baptized.
The cathedral itself was dedicated to St. Rufinus, locally known as St. Rufino, after he converted Assisi, Italy to Christianity in the year 238 AD.
Santa Maria degli Angeli
The Church of St. Mary of the Angels was built in the 16th century and about 2.5 miles downhill from Assisi. This domed church is famous for a tiny stone structure known as the Porziuncola, where St. Francis and his peers lived.
This place is where the Franciscan order started and where St. Francis died on the 3rd of October, 1226. Today, the Porziuncola is a small church inside Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Basilica di Santa Chiara
The Basilica of St. Clare celebrates one of the most prominent women in Italy and the Catholic church. St. Clare lived at the same time as St. Francis and founded the Order of the Poor Clares.
Her remains are in the crypt in the Basilica, which has a beautiful white and pink facade. You can also see the Crucifix of San Damiano, which is the symbol St. Francis faced while praying when he had his religious awakening.
Things to Know Before You Go to Assisi
You can easily tour the entire city center in a single afternoon. However, if you want to soak it all in, it’s best to give yourself a day or two. The city center of Assisi is, fortunately, both small and warm, making it possible to explore it on foot.
What to Wear and When to Go
However, it would be best to come with proper walking shoes, since it’s a hilly place. The cobblestone streets can be quite steep, so take it slow.
While you can visit the city any time of year, it’s probably a good idea to avoid seeing it in the summer. Not only can it feel like an oven, but it’s also when most pilgrims visit the area.
The best time to visit is in the spring, fall, or winter, as the weather is much more pleasant.
Many of the sites are churches, so don’t forget to dress appropriately, no matter your religious inclinations. Shirts that cover your shoulders and shorts that cover your knees are necessary for all genders.
Crowds tend to surge during religious holidays, which means you’ll need to book a hotel in advance. However, if you want to feel the spiritual atmosphere, these holidays can be an excellent time to visit.
Feast days and the Holy Week during Easter are jam-packed. On October 3rd and 4th, the feast day of St. Francis gets celebrated, and there are plenty of folk festivals and other public events during this time.
Special Times and Events
There is also the annual March for Peace, which happens either at the end of September or the beginning of October. It starts in Perugia and ends in Assisi.
You can also visit during Christmas. St. Francis is said to be the first person ever to create a live nativity scene. During Christmas, the streets are littered with nativity scenes to carry on the tradition. You might like the Nativity Scenes of the World exhibit at Santa Maria degli Angeli.
This event is when people worldwide donate nativity scenes to the monks who currently live in Assisi, Italy, and the best get put on display.
The best display in the town is the nativity scene on the front lawn at the Basilica of St. Francis. The figures are life-size, and there are lots of works of art and a giant Christmas tree. More free tips and advice on the best places to visit in Italy here
