What to see in Assisi, the city of Saint Francis

Assisi is not only the city of St. Francis: it is a place where spirituality, art and nature coexist harmoniously. Its churches, medieval alleys and Umbrian vistas createa unique mosaic that enchants anyone who comes here.

What are the must-see sights in this town that continues to inspire travelers for centuries? Let’s find out what to see in Assisi.

Where is Assisi located?

The city of Assisi is located in the heart of Umbria, one of Italy’s greenest and most picturesque regions, famous for its medieval villages and hilly landscapes that make it an ideal destination for cultural and nature tourism.

The city belongs to the province of Perugia, which is also the regional capital, and has about 28,000 inhabitants distributed among the historic center and surrounding hamlets. Located at an altitude of about 400 meters above sea level, Assisi dominates the Umbrian valley with a panoramic position that gives it a unique charm.

How to reach

Reaching the city is easy: for those traveling by car, the recommended exit is Santa Maria degli Angeli on the E45 highway, while those who prefer the train can comfortably arrive at Assisi train station, which is connected to Perugia, Rome and Florence. Thenearest airport is Perugia “San Francesco d’Assisi,” about 15 kilometers from the center, which provides national and international connections.

Assisi presents itself as an easily accessible destination that is perfect for visiting even in a weekend.

The history of Assisi from its origins to the Middle Ages

Assisi’s history isrooted in ancient times, when the town was a small Umbrian settlement, later conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Important evidence remains from that period, such as the Temple of Minerva in Piazza del Comune and sections of the Roman walls that still stand out among medieval buildings.

After the fall of the Empire, the city experienced centuries of Lombard and Byzantine rule, until it became a free commune in the 12th century. It was in this context that St. Francis (1181-1182) was born, the figure who would forever change the history not only of Assisi, but of the whole of Christianity.

The Middle Ages marked the city’s heyday, with the construction of churches, convents and fortifications that still characterize its urban profile. In the following centuries, Assisi was disputed between Perugia and the Papal States, becoming permanently part of the latter until the Unification of Italy. The historical stratification that runs through the town is visible at every turn: from Roman heritage to Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Assisi represents a true open-air history book.

What to see in Assisi?

Among the must-see places in Assisi:

The Basilica of St. Francis

You can’t talk about Assisi without starting with its most famous attraction: the Basilica of St. Francis. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents the center of the city’s religious and cultural life. Its structure consists of two overlapping churches, the Lower Basilica and the Upper Basilica, each with a distinct stylistic and spiritual identity.

The lower part, austere and collected, holds the remains of St. Francis, making it a place of meditation and recollection. The Upper Basilica, on the other hand, opens with wide, bright spaces and cycles of frescoes attributed to Giotto and Cimabue, which tell episodes from the saint’s life and biblical history with a unique narrative power.

To visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, it is advisable to rely on a guide.

Assisi’s historic center and its medieval squares

Walking through the streets of Assisi’s historic center, one breathes in the atmosphere of a medieval village that has remained intact over the centuries. The town is built on an urban layout of narrow alleys, stairways and squares that suddenly open up, providing surprising views.

Among the most iconic sites is Piazza del Comune, surrounded by buildings that testify to the city’s political and social importance in medieval times. Here are the Temple of Minerva, with its imposing Corinthian columns from the Roman period, and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, which together create a perfect blend of classicism and the Middle Ages.

In addition to the main square, lesser-known corners, such as the small artisan stores where you can buy ceramics, textiles, and typical Umbrian food products, are also worth a walk.

The churches of Assisi

In addition to the famous and already mentioned Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi holds numerous other churches that deserve attention, both for their religious importance and architectural beauty.

Prominent among these is the Basilica of St. Clare, a place that holds the crucifix of St. Damian, the one that according to tradition spoke to St. Francis inviting him to “repair his house.” The basilica, with its pink and white stone facade typical of Subasio, dominates the city with elegance and recollection.

Also not to be missed is the Cathedral of San Rufino, built in the Romanesque style, which houses the baptismal font where both St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized.

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The Hermitage of the Prisons and Mount Subasio

Those who visit Assisi cannot limit themselves to the city center: just outside the walls, nestled in the greenery of Mount Subasio, is theHermitage of the Prisons. This place of spiritual retreat, used by St. Francis and his companions to meditate and pray in solitude, is still today a space of silence and contemplation.

The hermitage is surrounded by centuries-old forests, nature trails and breathtaking views of the Umbrian valley. It is an ideal destination for those who wish to combine a cultural visit with contact with nature, indulging in an immersive walk in a landscape that seems to have remained unchanged over the centuries.

Mount Subasio, with its hiking trails, also offers opportunities for trekking and outdoor activities, making Assisi a perfect destination not only for spiritual tourism but also for nature tourism.

Rocca Maggiore and the breathtaking views of Assisi

Among Assisi ‘s most striking attractions is the Rocca Maggiore, an imposing fortress that dominates the town from above. Built in medieval times as a defensive garrison, the fortress has experienced moments of splendor and neglect over the centuries, until its recovery as a place to visit.

From its walls there is a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the Umbrian valley, particularly impressive at sunset. Inside, the walkways and towers offer a fascinating journey through history and legend, with the possibility of reliving the atmosphere of the times when the fortress was a symbol of power and control over the territory.

The surroundings of Assisi: what to see?

A visit to Assisi can easily turn into a starting point for discovering the beauty of surrounding Umbria. Nearby are fascinating villages such as Spello, famous for its flower displays and Roman mosaics, or Bevagna, with its medieval workshops that reproduce ancient crafts.

Also just a few miles away is Perugia, a lively university town with a wealth of museums, which offers an interesting contrast to the more collected atmosphere of Assisi.

Tag

Curiosities

Parks and Nature

Travel

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