Assisi, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

When UNESCO inscribed the Franciscan attractions in Assisi as a World Heritage Site, it highlighted the city's significant influence on both religious expression and European art history. This intertwining of religious and artistic heritage makes Assisi a must-visit for tourists. As the birthplace of St. Francis and the center of his life's work, Assisi is deeply connected with the Franciscan order he established. His life and legacy inspired renowned artists such as Giotto, Cimabue, Andrea da Bologna, and Simone Martini, whose works in the basilica dedicated to St. Francis have narrated his story to the faithful for centuries.

Beyond its rich artistic treasures, Assisi’s charming medieval streets and the impressive castle atop this Umbrian hill town are not to be missed. The main street, Via San Francesco, leads from the basilica into the town center, where it becomes Via Arnaldo Fortini. Here, visitors interested in shopping will find ample opportunities, particularly for the high-quality leather goods Assisi, like Florence, is known for.

History of Assisi
28 Best places to See in Assisi
10 Best Day Trips from Assisi
Where to Stay in Assisi
Best Time to Visit Assisi
How to get to Assisi

History of Assisi

Assisi, a picturesque town in the Umbria region of Italy, boasts a rich history that spans thousands of years, deeply entwined with religious, cultural, and artistic developments in Europe. Here is a brief overview of its historical journey:

Ancient Origins

Pre-Roman and Roman Periods: The area around Assisi was inhabited by the Umbrians, an ancient Italic tribe, before becoming a Roman colony in 295 BC. The Romans called it Asisium, and it developed into a thriving town with temples, theaters, and other significant structures.

Middle Ages

Early Christianity: With the decline of the Roman Empire, Assisi, like many other towns, faced invasions and turmoil. However, it began to flourish again as Christianity spread through the region.
St. Francis of Assisi: The most pivotal period in Assisi’s history came in the late 12th and early 13th centuries with the birth of St. Francis in 1181 or 1182. Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, he became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Renouncing his wealth, St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order, emphasizing poverty, humility, and a love for all creation.
St. Clare: Another significant religious figure, St. Clare of Assisi, founded the Order of Poor Clares under the guidance of St. Francis. Her influence added to Assisi’s spiritual and religious significance.

Renaissance and Beyond

Artistic Flourishing: The construction of the Basilica of St. Francis began in 1228, shortly after his canonization. This basilica, divided into an upper and lower church, became a center for Christian art, featuring works by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti. These artists’ frescoes in the basilica greatly influenced the course of European art.
Papal States: During the Renaissance, Assisi, like much of central Italy, was under the control of the Papal States. This period saw both flourishing artistic achievements and political struggles.

Modern Era

19th and 20th Centuries: Assisi remained relatively peaceful and maintained its religious significance. In the 19th century, it became part of the unified Kingdom of Italy. During World War II, Assisi was remarkably spared from significant damage. It also became a refuge for many, including Jews fleeing Nazi persecution, with the Franciscan friars and local citizens playing crucial roles in their protection.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Late 20th Century: Recognizing its profound religious, artistic, and historical significance, UNESCO declared Assisi and its surrounding area a World Heritage Site in 2000. The designation highlights the town’s impact on both spiritual movements and the arts throughout history.

Present Day

Tourism and Pilgrimage: Today, Assisi is a major destination for tourists and pilgrims from around the world. Visitors come to explore its historical sites, including the Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage where St. Francis retreated for prayer. The town’s medieval character has been well preserved, allowing visitors to experience its historical and spiritual legacy fully.

Assisi’s rich history, from ancient times through the rise of Christianity to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscores its lasting importance as a center of faith, culture, and art.

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Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Assisi for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Assisi on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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28 Best places to See in Assisi

This complete guide to Assisi not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Assisi and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Roman Amphitheatre

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jan Hazevoet

Hidden in the quiet Porta Perlici quarter, this Roman amphitheatre dates to the first half of the 1st century A.D., when two tiers of seating framed local games and gatherings. Much of the arena has vanished, but its elliptical footprint is still readable in the curve of medieval houses and garden walls built directly over the ancient structure. Look for the surviving wedge of travertine arch—an abrupt, tactile fragment amid everyday stonework—that hints at the original engineering in travertine and concrete. The experience is less about a grand ruin than about noticing how later streets and homes absorbed the old monument, a layering some visitors find as fascinating as the archaeology itself.

Location: Via Teatro Romano, Assisi, PG 06081, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Distance: 0.1km

Visiting Roman Amphitheatre

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2. Capuchins Gate

Capuchins Gate (Porta Cappuccini) is one of the eight medieval entrances in Assisi’s defensive walls, set near the Rocca Minore on the upper side of town. Its square tower still shows its age—part of the top has collapsed—and inside there’s a staircase and a small niche with a Madonna statue that turns a military structure into a devotional threshold. Walking beneath the stone arch feels like crossing from open road into tighter, uphill lanes, with worn masonry close enough to touch. Just beyond, the gate becomes practical: it’s an easy starting point for the path toward Eremo delle Carceri and on to Mount Subasio. A small sign noting Assisi’s sister-city link with San Francisco adds an unexpected detail.

Location: Via Eremo delle Carceri, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.2km

Visiting Capuchins Gate

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Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Assisi. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Diocesan Museum and San Rufino Crypt

Public Domain / Eumolpa

The Diocesan Museum and San Rufino Crypt sits beside Assisi’s Cathedral of San Rufino, housed in the Palazzo dei Canonici, and it traces the city’s faith through art and archaeology. Visitors descend into the vaulted basement to walk among remains of an 11th‑century Romanesque complex and the crypt of the so‑called Ugonian Basilica, where rare Umbrian frescoes still cling to the walls. A Roman sarcophagus carved with the myth of Selene and Endymion adds an unexpected classical note, tied by tradition to Saint Rufinus’s relics. Upstairs, the collection moves from 13th–17th century panels and banners to Sienese “Primitives” once gathered by art historian Frederick Mason Perkins.

Location: Cathedral of San Rufino, Piazza San Rufino, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: Diocesan Museum and Crypt of San Rufino open from 10.00 to 18.00 Closed: Wednesday, December 25th, January 1st Bell tower of San Rufino open from 10.00 to 11.30 and from 15.00 to 17.00 closed on Wednesdays and cannot be visited in case of rain or strong winds – ticket €1.50 | Price: €3.50 | Distance: 0.2km

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4. Cattedrale di San Rufino di Assisi

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The Cattedrale di San Rufino is a Romanesque cathedral built to enshrine the relics of Saint Rufinus, the town’s first bishop, which rest in the crypt beneath the altar. The 13th-century façade is the moment you remember: three balanced tiers, a finely worked rose window, and portal carvings populated with medieval creatures, guarded by red marble lions. Inside, the atmosphere turns spare and cool, with rhythmic columns and arches leading to the baptismal font traditionally linked to Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Look, too, for glimpses of older layers—some visitors spot Roman remains through glass floor panels—before climbing the bell tower for wide rooftop views.

Location: Cattedrale di Assisi, Piazza San Rufino, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: Diocesan Museum and Crypt of San Rufino open from 10.00 to 18.00 Closed: Wednesday, December 25th, January 1st Bell tower of San Rufino open from 10.00 to 11.30 and from 15.00 to 17.00 closed on Wednesdays and cannot be visited in case of rain or strong winds – ticket €1.50 | Price: €3.50 | Distance: 0.2km

Visiting Cattedrale di San Rufino di Assisi

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Explore Assisi at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Assisi one of the best places to visit in Italy.

5. Oratorio di San Francesco Piccolino

CC BY-SA 6.0 / Superchilum

Hidden in a narrow lane near Assisi’s central square, the Oratorio di San Francesco Piccolino is a tiny chapel created from the stable that local tradition identifies as Saint Francis’s birthplace. The space is deliberately plain: a cool, stone interior with a rustic vaulted ceiling, restored in 1926 after earlier frescoes were removed. Look for the Romanesque-Gothic façade and the Gothic doorway added in 1281, small architectural signals that this humble corner became a public sanctuary. A Latin inscription on the front recalls the ox-and-donkey stable story and frames the site’s meaning—holiness mapped onto everyday life. The visit is brief, but the hush and scale make it linger in memory.

Location: piazzetta S. Francesco piccolino, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: (Summer) Daily: 08:00–12:30 & 14:30–19:00. (Winter) Daily: 08:00–12:30 & 14:30–18:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.3km

Visiting Oratorio di San Francesco Piccolino

6. Casa natale di San Francesco

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Superchilum

Tucked into a quiet corner near the Chiesa Nuova, the Casa natale di San Francesco is a small oratory marking the spot traditionally linked to Saint Francis’s birth on 5 July 1182, said to have taken place in a stable. The interior is striking for its restraint: rough stone walls, simple seating, and a single, dim chamber that encourages silence rather than spectacle. Look closely for faint 13th- and 14th-century fresco fragments, among the earliest visual traces of devotion to Francis. Outside, a modest square is animated by a bronze sculpture of his parents, a detail many visitors remember as much as the shrine itself. Reviews often describe the atmosphere as serene and unexpectedly moving.

Location: Casa Natale San Francesco d'Assisi, Piazza Chiesa Nuova, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

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7. Basilica di Santa Chiara

Basilica di Santa Chiara Piazza Santa Chiara Assisi

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fczarnowski

Consecrated in 1265, the Basilica di Santa Chiara is a Gothic-Umbrian church built in pink Subasio stone to honor Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares. The spare interior feels deliberately contemplative, with surviving fresco fragments— including scenes from Genesis and the Apocalypse—hinting at a larger program later stripped away. Below, a Baroque crypt holds Clare’s remains, rediscovered in 1850, making the descent a quiet moment of pilgrimage. Don’t miss the Oratorio del Crocifisso, where the Byzantine crucifix linked to Saint Francis is kept. Outside, the terrace frames wide views across the Umbrian Valley.

Location: Basilica di Santa Chiara, Piazza Santa Chiara, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

Visiting Basilica di Santa Chiara

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8. Rocca Minore

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Luca Aless

Rocca Minore (also called Rocchicciola or the Cassero di Sant’Antonio) is a smaller medieval fortress perched on the ridge to the right of Rocca Maggiore, watching over the valley in near-silence. Its crumbling ramparts and scattered traces of the old connecting wall hint at the defensive system that once linked the two strongholds—local tradition even speaks of a hidden underground passage between them. The climb is steep and feels more like a walk through olive and cypress slopes than a city stroll, and the payoff is a wide view over rooftops, Mount Subasio, and the Umbrian plain. Travelers note it’s sometimes gated or closed, so the best moments may come from viewpoints around the perimeter.

Location: Rocca Minore, Via Renzo Rosati, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

Visiting Rocca Minore

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9. Porta Nuova

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Porta Nuova is one of Assisi’s eight historic gates, a well-kept 14th-century entry in the city walls whose pointed, Gothic arch still frames the shift from the outer roads into the tight streets of the old town. Passing under it feels like crossing a threshold: traffic and parking drop away and the pace turns quieter and more deliberate. Look up for the Latin blessing attributed to Saint Francis, with a small sign below that helps decode the inscription. The stonework is sturdy and practical rather than ornate, which makes its everyday role as a working gateway easy to sense. Many visitors remember it as the moment their Assisi walk truly begins.

Location: Via Fonti di Moiano, 11, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.4km

Visiting Porta Nuova

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10. Chiesa Nuova

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Feldstein

Chiesa Nuova (“New Church”) is a compact late-Renaissance church built in 1615 directly over the house believed to belong to Pietro di Bernardone, Saint Francis’s father, letting visitors step into the saint’s earliest world. Beneath the high altar, a small, plain room marks the spot traditionally identified as Francis’s birthplace, while nearby you can see spaces linked to his family’s textile trade and the staircase where tradition says his father confined him. Warm pink Subasio stone, coffered ceilings, and frescoes and paintings from the 1600s give the interior a gentle glow. Many visitors remember the quiet, almost monastic atmosphere and the sense of closeness to Francis’s family story.

Visiting Chiesa Nuova

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11. Piazza del Comune

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Piazza del Comune is the town’s central square, a layered civic stage where Roman stonework meets medieval power symbols and today’s café chatter. The remarkably intact façade of the Temple of Minerva—six Corinthian columns fronting a later church—still dominates the scene, while the Palazzo dei Priori and the Torre del Popolo (raised in 1305) frame the arcades. Around the fountain, you’ll see locals and travelers pause for espresso or gelato, and the mood shifts from calm mornings to aperitivo-time bustle under lamplight. Look for small, memorable details too, like the long-running Zubboli bookshop (established 1870) tucked into the surrounding streets.

Location: Piazza del Comune, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.4km

Visiting Piazza del Comune

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12. Rocca Maggiore

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hagai Agmon-Snir

Perched high above the rooftops, Rocca Maggiore is a stern medieval fortress whose towers still command the Umbrian Valley, with long views on clear days toward Perugia and Spoleto. Rebuilt in 1174 after imperial conquest, it was later razed in the 1198 uprising and reconstructed again in 1365 under Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, leaving layers of stonework that feel earned rather than decorative. Inside, winding corridors, inner courtyards, and defensive walkways lead to the Maschio (main keep), where a 360-degree panorama is the reward for the climb. Visitors remember arrow slits, ramparts, and the sense of standing watch above the town.

Location: Rocca Maggiore, Via della Rocca, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: From November to February: 10.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.15pm) March: 10.00 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15) April and May: 10.00am – 7.00pm (last entry 6.15pm) June and August: 10.00am – 8.00pm (last entry 7.15pm) September and October: 10.00am – 7.00pm (last entry 6.15pm) December 25: closed | Price: €8.00 | Distance: 0.4km

Visiting Rocca Maggiore

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13. Temple of Minerva

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Georges Jansoone

In Assisi’s Piazza del Comune, the Temple of Minerva is a 1st-century BC Roman temple whose façade still stands almost intact, later transformed into the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. Six tall Corinthian columns support the classical front, an unexpectedly ancient face against the medieval square, with an unusual stair arrangement that begins beneath the columns to save space. Step inside and the mood flips: a lavish Baroque interior of gilding, stuccoes, and frescoed ceilings replaces the Roman restraint. Near the altar, archaeological traces revealed by modern excavations hint at the building’s earlier life. Many visitors remember the calm, prayerful atmosphere as much as the gold-lit decoration.

Location: Temple of Minerva, Piazza del Comune, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Distance: 0.4km

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14. Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

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Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo anchors a corner of Piazza del Comune with a late-13th-century stone façade and the adjoining 47‑meter Torre del Popolo, built as the seat of the Captain of the People who defended citizens’ interests against noble power. Look for the 1349 red Subasio-stone plaque at the tower’s base, still marking official measurements once used to regulate bricks and textiles. Inside, civic rooms preserve frescoes by Adalberto Lavorati celebrating local trades, and a sculpted portal commissioned by the notaries bears their insignia and the motto “Unica mundi fides.” The tower’s Ghibelline battlements, added during a 1926 medieval-style restoration, sharpen the skyline with Gothic bite.

Location: Torre del Popolo, Piazza del Comune, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: From November to February: 10.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm) From March to October: 10.00am – 6.00pm (last entry 5.30pm) December 25: closed Opening hours of the Civic Tower: every day from 10.00 to 17.00 (last entry 16.30) | Price: €5 | Distance: 0.4km

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15. Palazzo dei Priori

Public Domain / Carlo Raso

Facing Piazza del Comune, the Palazzo dei Priori is the city’s working town hall, built from a 14th-century magistrates’ seat first recorded in 1320. Look for the bold civic architecture: a vaulted passage was added after the priors bought Bardi family property in 1337, extending the complex toward the Moiano gate. Inside, sweeping vaults lead to halls layered with emblems and coats of arms, including those linked to Pope Paul III Farnese. The entrance hall’s frescoes were painted in 1870 by Alessandro Venanzi, and the Council Hall was redecorated between 1906 and 1910 with allegories of learning, charity, work, and justice. Many visitors only glimpse the façade—worth lingering over.

Location: Palazzo dei Priori, Piazza del Comune, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Distance: 0.4km

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16. Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

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Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi—also called the Sanctuary of the Spoliation—is a Romanesque church whose calm, human scale belies the centuries layered beneath it. Built in the 11th–12th centuries over a Palaeo-Christian sanctuary and earlier Roman structures linked to “Propertius’ Domus,” it rewards visitors who look down as much as up. It served as Assisi’s cathedral until 1036 and is closely tied to Saint Francis: he was baptised here, and the nearby episcopal seat frames key episodes of his early life. Inside, seek out timeworn 14th–15th-century fresco fragments, a Pietà attributed to Tiberio d’Assisi, and a Madonna panel from Pinturicchio’s circle. If open, the crypt reveals Roman capitals, pavements, and a 9th-century cross-carved sarcophagus.

Location: Piazza del Vescovado, 3, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: (Summer) April – October: Monday & Thursday: 08:00–19:00; Tuesday – Wednesday & Friday – Sunday: 07:00–19:00. (Winter) November – March: Daily: 08:00–19:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.5km

Visiting Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

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17. Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum

Ancient cellar Ruins of the ancient Roman forum Assisi

CC BY-SA 4.0 / José Luiz

Beneath Piazza del Comune, the Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum drops you about four meters underground into the civic heart of ancient Asisium. The visit begins through the former church crypt of Saint Nicolò “de platea,” where capitals, coffins, and inscribed stones line a dim corridor. Glass panels and passages reveal the foundations beneath the Temple of Minerva above, making the city’s layers—pagan, civic, and later Christian—feel physically intertwined. In the forum itself, look for the tribunal podium with magistrates’ seats, rows of tabernae, and a small sanctuary to the Dioscuri. Many remains are still in situ, giving the space an unexpectedly immediate, touchable feel.

Location: Foro Romano e Museo Archeologico, Via Portica, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: Every day from 10 am to 5.0 pm; last entrance allowed 4:30 pm; | Price: €5.00 | Distance: 0.5km

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18. Teatro Metastasio in Assisi

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Teatro Metastasio is a small Italian-style theatre in Assisi’s historic centre, built in the 1830s and long tied to the town’s civic cultural life. After being judged unfit for performances in 1952, it was heavily altered into a cinema in 1956 and kept running—often with patchy theatre programming—until the 1990s, a period locals associate with a thinning evening cultural scene. Since 2020 it has been undergoing a €1 million redevelopment, planned to reopen in stages starting with the ground-floor hall and foyer. The renewed layout is designed as one unified audience space plus two independent 70-seat rooms for workshops, small shows, and film screenings, bringing back that pre-show piazza buzz visitors remember.

Location: Piazzetta Verdi, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: Varies (open only for scheduled performances and screenings). | Price: Varies by performance; as a reference, long-running local productions have historically been priced around €20 (with group reductions sometimes available). | Website | Distance: 0.6km

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19. Pinacoteca Comunale

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sottobosco90

Housed in the frescoed rooms of Palazzo Vallemani, the Pinacoteca Comunale is the municipal art gallery tracing local painting from the 14th to 17th centuries. The Baroque palace itself is part of the experience, with vaulted ceilings painted with mythological and allegorical scenes that frame the collection. Inside, you’ll see fresco fragments and devotional panels rescued from churches and convents—many removed after damage, renovations, or the 19th-century upheavals that threatened to scatter them. Standout works include a Maestà attributed to Giotto (or his circle) and serene paintings by Perugino, alongside artists such as Puccio Capanna and Nicolò di Liberatore. Visitors often note how small, quiet rooms let you study color and detail up close.

Location: Pinacoteca Comunale Palazzo Vallemani, Via San Francesco, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: From November to February: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm) March: 10.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm) – closed on Tuesdays From April to October: 10.00am – 6.00pm (last entry 5.30pm) – closed on Tuesdays December 25: closed | Price: €3.00 (Cumulative rate for the Pinacoteca, Roman Forum, Rocca Maggiore (including audio guide of the whole city): full price €10.00) | Distance: 0.9km

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20. Abbey of San Pietro

CC BY-SA 3.0 / sailko

The Abbey of San Pietro is a Benedictine church and monastic complex on the southern edge of Assisi’s old town, still marked by a quiet, disciplined atmosphere. Its Romanesque-Umbrian façade, built in pink Mount Subasio stone, is patterned with bands of arches and pilasters that glow warmly in late-day light. Inside, visitors notice a tall central nave on sturdy pillars, an elevated presbytery, and a domed apse that draws the space upward. Look for the Gothic Blessed Sacrament chapel with a 15th-century triptych by Matteo da Gualdo, plus scattered fresco fragments and carved tombs. Reviews often mention how small, ancient, and uncrowded it feels.

Location: Chiesa di San Pietro, Piazza San Pietro, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: Open daily; morning and late-afternoon hours may vary depending on services. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.9km

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21. San Damiano

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hagai Agmon-Snir

San Damiano is a small church-and-convent complex just outside Assisi, set among olive groves and cypresses with wide views over the Spoleto Valley, where the early Franciscan story still feels rooted in place. In 1205 Francis heard the call to “repair my house” here, later returned sick and partly blind to write the Canticle of the Sun, and his body was briefly brought here after his death. Visitors remember the life-sized bronze Francis seated in meditation, the smoke-darkened nave (in use since at least the 11th century), and tiny, story-laden details like the window where a priest hurled back Francis’s repair money and the small hiding hole linked to his father’s fury. Upstairs, the spare dormitory marks where Clare died, and a balcony recalls her defiant display of the Sacrament during an attack.

Location: Via San Damiano, 7, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: (Summer) Daily: 10:00–12:00 & 14:00–18:00. (Winter) Daily: 10:00–12:00 & 14:00–16:30. Closed 12 January – 15 January 2026. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1km

Visiting San Damiano

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22. Bosco di San Francesco

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Roberto Berti

Bosco di San Francesco is a wooded valley park tucked directly below Assisi’s Basilica of Saint Francis, where the city’s stone streets give way to birdsong and shaded paths. The walk threads past quiet medieval traces—ruins linked to an old monastic presence, the outline of a 14th‑century defensive tower, and the small Romanesque church of Santa Croce. A former working mill now functions as a simple trattoria, an easy place to pause after the descent. The most unexpected sight is Michelangelo Pistoletto’s “Third Paradise,” a land artwork formed by 121 olive trees in interlocking circles that you understand best by walking through its pattern. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as notably peaceful.

Location: Via Ponte dei Galli, 1, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Price: Adults €6; Reduced (6–18) €3; Students up to 25 €4; Under 5 free; FAI members free. | Website | Distance: 1.1km

Visiting Bosco di San Francesco

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23. Palazzo Bernabei

Palazzo Bernabei, Via San Francesco (Assís)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric

Palazzo Bernabei (also linked to the earlier Palazzo Sperelli name) is a mid-15th-century noble palace on Via San Francesco that later became a Capuchin institution in 1881. Today it houses Assisi’s Franciscan “Missionary Museum,” a small, room-by-room visit focused on Capuchin work in Amazonia and the Indigenous cultures encountered there. You’ll see tightly curated ethnographic objects—everyday tools, ritual items, and craft materials—rather than a vast collection, along with a surprising natural-history thread that brings in fauna and environmental context. The building’s story mirrors Assisi’s shift under papal influence in the 16th century, when elite residences were expanded and refined, before passing through owners such as Prince Alessandro Torlonia.

Location: Via S. Francesco, 16, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: (Summer, June – September) Tuesday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 09:30–18:30. (Winter, October – May) Tuesday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00–18:00. Closed Monday. Closed 12 January – 31 March | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.1km

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24. Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco

CC BY-SA 4.0 / GattoCeliaco

Set directly beneath the Basilica of Saint Francis, Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco is an enclosed, stone-paved forecourt that still feels like a working threshold between pilgrimage and everyday life. Renaissance porticoes wrap the square, their shade echoing the mid-15th-century arcades built to shelter crowds arriving for Francis’s tomb. Look closely and you can imagine the medieval bustle: chronicles describe a piazza “longer than wide,” once ringed by dozens of small shops serving pilgrims and merchants. Today it’s a place to linger under the arches, take in the Basilica’s façade from below, and choose your route upward—either the steep stairway or the gentler sloping approach.

Location: Piazza inferiore di San Francesco, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Distance: 1.2km

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25. Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi

Perched above the Umbrian hills in Assisi, the Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi is a two-level sanctuary built to enshrine Saint Francis, consecrated in 1253 and central to the Franciscan story. Begin in the shadowy Lower Basilica, where chapels glow with medieval frescoes by Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti and the crypt leads to the saint’s tomb, a hushed focal point for pilgrims. Upstairs, the Upper Basilica feels airy and bright, its stained glass and ribbed vaults framing Giotto’s cycle of 28 scenes from Francis’s life, painted with striking human emotion. The shift from dim stone to luminous color is what visitors tend to remember most.

Location: Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi, Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy | Hours: Lower Church: from 6:00 to 18:30 Upper Church: from 8.30am to5.45pm Tomb of St. Francis: from 6:00 to 18:00 | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.3km

Visiting Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi

4.9(57,371)

26. Mount Subasio

CC BY-SA 2.0 / N i c o l a

Parco del Monte Subasio is the mountain park that forms Assisi’s green backdrop, where olive groves give way to oak and holm-oak woods and then to open summit meadows. It matters because this is the landscape tied to Franciscan memory and solitude, with the Eremo delle Carceri tucked among centuries-old trees. From higher ridges the air turns cooler and the views stretch across the Umbrian Valley toward the Apennines, a payoff that feels far from town despite being close. The mountain’s pink Subasio stone—used for Assisi’s buildings—glows amber at sunset, linking geology to the city’s look. Travelers often remember the wind and sudden temperature drop near the top, especially in shoulder seasons.

Location: Loc. Cà Piombino, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.4km

Visiting Mount Subasio

4.6(4,029)

27. Santuario del Sacro Tugurio di Rivotorto

CC BY-SA 2.0 / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santuaro_Rivotorto_front_Perugia_Italy_Sep19_D72_11985.jpg

The Santuario del Sacro Tugurio di Rivotorto is a neo-Gothic sanctuary (built in 1854) about 5 km south of Assisi on the Foligno road, raised to protect a far older, rough-stone “tugurio.” Inside the larger church you step into the rebuilt hovel where Francis and his first companions are said to have lived briefly around 1209, shaping their early common life and the first rule. At the entrance, a stone inscription reads “HIC PRIMORDIA FRATRUM MINORUM,” anchoring the visit in the idea of beginnings rather than grandeur. Look too for the restored traces of two plain stone shelters associated with the early fraternity. The atmosphere is quiet and stripped-back, with visitors noting a strong sense of presence and reflection.

Location: Via della Regola di S. Francesco, 2, 06081 Rivotorto PG, Italy | Hours: Daily: 07:00–19:30. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.9km

Visiting Santuario del Sacro Tugurio di Rivotorto

4.7(779)

28. Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bbruno

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli is a vast domed sanctuary on the plain by Assisi’s train station, built (1569–1684) to protect the tiny Porziuncola chapel where Francis began his movement. The first impression is the stark scale of the Baroque interior, then the surprise of the hut-like chapel set inside it, with later frescoes outside and older, more compelling 14th-century scenes of Francis within. Beneath the main altar you can see excavated monastery remains, including the spot linked to Francis’s death. In the garden, pilgrims seek the thornless rose bushes tied to a legend of temptation and blood. On 1–2 August the Pardon of Assisi draws dense crowds and a charged, devotional atmosphere.

Location: Piazza Porziuncola, 1, 06081 Santa Maria degli Angeli PG, Italy | Hours: Daily: 07:30–12:30 & 14:30–19:00. Mass access from 06:30. | Price: Free (Museo della Porziuncola: €4.00 standard ticket). | Website | Distance: 3.6km

Visiting Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

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Best Day Trips from Assisi

A day trip from Assisi offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Assisi provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. Perugia

Nestled in the heart of Italy, Perugia is one of the country's oldest centers, celebrated for its vibrant social life, rich university heritage, and much more. This modern city, steeped in history, stands atop a hill in the Tiber Valley and serves as the capital of Umbria. Known as a city of art and a lively cultural hub, Perugia's medieval…

Visiting Perugia

2. Gubbio

Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Apennine Mountains, Medieval Gubbio boasts a picturesque setting approximately 25 miles northeast of the bustling capital of Umbria, Perugia. To the north and east, the landscape stretches out into vast expanses until reaching the border with the neighboring region of Le Marche. This ancient land, adorned with charming squares and majestic stone palaces,…

Visiting Gubbio

3. Orvieto

Orvieto is one of those hill towns that feels instantly cinematic: a compact historic center perched above the countryside, with big views, stone lanes, and a lively café culture. Set in Umbria, it’s an easy base for slow travel—think long lunches, local wines, and short scenic walks that start right from town. The pace is relaxed, but there’s plenty to…

Visiting Orvieto

4. Arezzo

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sailko

Situated in the south-eastern region of Tuscany, Arezzo is perched prominently atop a hill, at the intersection of four valleys: Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno, and Valdichiana. This locale has deep historical significance within the Tuscan landscape, evidenced by the wealth of archaeological finds, such as stone tools and the discovery of the Paleolithic-era "Man of the Elm." The city's roots…

Visiting Arezzo

5. San Marino

San Marino's origins are rooted in the captivating legend of Saint Marinus, who established the community and republic in AD 301 after seeking refuge on Mount Titano. The sovereignty of San Marino was confirmed after Italian Unification, possibly in recognition of their assistance to Garibaldi, a prominent leader in the Risorgimento movement. With the exception of Vatican City, San Marino…

Visiting San Marino

6. Siena

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Massimo Catarinella

Visiting Siena is like stepping into a timeless Italian dream, where medieval streets wind through a city rich in culture, charm, and breathtaking scenery. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Siena captivates visitors with its warm, earthy-toned buildings, stunning Gothic architecture, and lively piazzas. Whether you’re strolling through its narrow alleyways, savoring a meal at a traditional trattoria, or simply…

Visiting Siena

7. Rimini

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Rimini boasts a rich history dating back to its Roman foundation in 268 BC. This coastal gem spans over 15 kilometers of pristine beaches, rendering it a favoured destination for seaside enthusiasts. Notably, the renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini hailed from this city, which is celebrated for its lively nightlife and historic landmarks, including the iconic…

Visiting Rimini

8. Tivoli

While Tivoli's allure as a day trip from Rome is undeniable, those who opt for a longer stay are rewarded with a deeper exploration of this enchanting hill town's rich history and vibrant culture. Beyond its renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este gardens, Tivoli boasts a tapestry of historical treasures, from Roman ruins to…

Visiting Tivoli

9. Rome

Visiting Rome is like stepping into a living museum, where every corner of the city reveals layers of history, art, and culture. As the capital of Italy and once the heart of the vast Roman Empire, Rome is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Wandering through…

Visiting Rome

10. Florence

Florence, one of Italy's most renowned cities, is a must-visit destination on the tourist circuit. Its breath-taking Renaissance architecture, charming streets, and picturesque buildings make it a captivating spot for travellers. Art lovers will find themselves in paradise with an abundance of galleries to explore, offering a diverse range of masterpieces. The city's magnificent Renaissance churches also provide a fascinating glimpse…

Visiting Florence

Where to Stay in Assisi

When choosing where to stay in Assisi, your best option depends on the kind of experience you’re after—whether it’s waking up to views of the Umbrian valley, being right in the historic center, or staying somewhere quiet and tucked into the hills.

If you stay in the historic center of Assisi, you’ll be steps away from the main churches, piazzas and medieval lanes. One excellent pick here is Hotel Il Palazzo—a boutique hotel with spacious modern rooms inside a 16th-century building halfway between the Basilica of San Francesco and the main square. For a spa-style stay, Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum offers luxury, design and a bath in the heart of town. If budget and location meet your criteria, Hotel Ideale is a friendly family-run option near the town’s cathedral with great views over the valley.

For a hillside or valley-view stay outside the center, ideal if you’re driving or looking for countryside calm, check Giotto Hotel & Spa Assisi—set slightly above town, with a panoramic restaurant and spa facilities that feel like a break from the bustle.

Lastly, for something quiet and serene, perhaps on the outskirts or near the edge of town, you might also consider returning to one of the hillside resorts, though those are a bit further away from the very center and require a short drive or taxi.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Assisi. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Assisi Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Assisi

The best time to visit Assisi is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Here’s why these periods are ideal:

Spring (April to June)

Mild Weather: Temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it comfortable for exploring.
Blooming Scenery: The countryside is lush and green, with flowers in full bloom, adding to the beauty of the landscape.
Fewer Crowds: Compared to the summer months, there are fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Fall (September to October)

Comfortable Temperatures: Similar to spring, the temperatures are mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Harvest Season: This is the time for grape and olive harvests, offering a chance to experience local festivals and taste fresh, seasonal produce.
Vibrant Colors: The changing colors of the leaves add a picturesque quality to the town and its surroundings.

Other Considerations

Summer (July to August): While the weather is warm (25°C to 35°C or 77°F to 95°F), this is also the peak tourist season, which means more crowds and higher prices.
Winter (November to March): Winters are colder, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F). There are fewer tourists, but some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed.

By visiting during the spring or fall, you can enjoy the best weather, beautiful scenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere in Assisi.

Annual Weather Overview

January 10°C
February 12°C
March 14°C
April 18°C
May 24°C
June 30°C
July 31°C
August 30°C
September 26°C
October 22°C
November 15°C
December 10°C

How to get to Assisi

By Plane

For those flying, the nearest airports are in Rome, Florence, and Perugia. From Rome (Fiumicino Airport), take a train from Fiumicino to Roma Termini, then follow the train route to Assisi, taking about 3-3.5 hours in total. From Florence (Peretola Airport), take a bus or tram to Florence's main train station, then follow the train route to Assisi, also about 3-3.5 hours. From Perugia (San Francesco d'Assisi Airport), you can reach Assisi by direct bus or taxi in approximately 20 minutes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Assisi on Booking.com.

By Train

You can reach Assisi from major cities like Rome and Florence. From Rome, take a train from Roma Termini to Assisi (via Foligno), which takes approximately 2-2.5 hours. From Florence, take a train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Assisi (via Terontola-Cortona), also about 2-2.5 hours. From Perugia, a direct train to Assisi takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Note that Assisi's train station is located in Santa Maria degli Angeli, about 5 km from the historical center, accessible by local bus or taxi. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

By Bus

From Perugia, several bus services operate between Perugia and Assisi, taking approximately 45 minutes. There are direct buses from Rome's Tiburtina Bus Station to Assisi, taking about 2.5-3 hours, though these are less frequent, so check schedules in advance.

By Car

Driving to Assisi is also a convenient option. From Rome, take the A1 motorway towards Florence, exit at Orte, then follow the E45 towards Perugia and Assisi, a journey of about 2 hours. From Florence, take the A1 motorway towards Rome, exit at Valdichiana, and follow the SS75 towards Assisi, also about 2 hours. From Perugia, follow the SS75 road directly to Assisi, taking approximately 30 minutes. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.