Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco, Assisi

Square in Assisi

Basilica Di San Francesco DAssisi 1
Basilica di San Francesco dAssisi 1
CC BY-SA 4.0 / GattoCeliaco

Tucked beneath the world-famous Basilica of Saint Francis, the Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco is a place where history, faith, and daily life intertwine. This enclosed square serves as the gateway to the Lower Basilica, the Sacred Convent, and the Oratory of San Bernardino da Siena, making it one of the must-see places in Assisi for visitors tracing the footsteps of Saint Francis.

Despite its spiritual surroundings, the square has long had a lively, social character. Since the Middle Ages, it has welcomed pilgrims, merchants, and townspeople - a space not only for devotion but for conversation, trade, and rest. Today, as you wander beneath its graceful Renaissance porticoes or pause to admire the view of the Basilica's façade, you can still sense the centuries of movement and community that have animated this sacred ground. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Assisi, perfectly blending the city's religious and everyday life.

History and Significance of Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco

The origins of the Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco date back to the early 14th century, when it began forming alongside the construction of the Basilica. Its creation was practical as well as symbolic - intended to organize the influx of merchants who came to serve the pilgrims visiting Saint Francis's tomb. Pope Gregory XI specifically encouraged this development, and by the mid-15th century, the elegant porticoes that still frame the square were constructed to provide shade and refreshment to travelers.

In the 16th century, chronicler Fra Ludovico da Pietralunga described the square as “longer than wide,” surrounded by 75 shops bustling with life, particularly during religious festivals such as the Pardon of Assisi (August 2) and the Feast of Saint Francis (October 4). The porticoes were partially rebuilt in the 1500s and again restored after the 1997 earthquake, preserving the essence of this medieval market-meets-pilgrimage square.

Things to See and Do in Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco

The Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco is more than a passageway to the Basilica - it's a space to pause, observe, and soak in the unique atmosphere of Assisi. The graceful porticoes that line its edges invite quiet reflection and are ideal for escaping the midday sun. From here, you can directly access the Lower Basilica, a treasure trove of frescoes by Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti, as well as the Sacred Convent, which houses the friars and their centuries-old library.

Another highlight is the Oratory of San Bernardino da Siena, a small but deeply atmospheric chapel. The square's stairways, one steep and one gently sloping, connect it to the upper piazza - a transition symbolic of moving from the earthly to the divine. Whether you visit during a festival or on a quiet morning, this square offers one of the best perspectives on how Assisi's sacred and civic lives have long coexisted.

How to Get There

The nearest major airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, located about 20 minutes from Assisi. From the airport, travellers can reach the town by taxi, rental car, or pre-booked shuttle transfer. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Assisi on Booking.com.

Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco is located at the base of the Basilica of Saint Francis, in the western part of Assisi's historic center. It's accessible on foot from the upper town via a scenic walk past medieval stone streets and viewpoints overlooking the Umbrian valley. Visitors arriving by train can reach the city via Assisi railway station, about 3 kilometers from the historic center. From there, taxis and local buses connect to the upper town. For those driving, convenient parking is available at Piazza Giovanni Paolo II or Porta Nuova Car Park, both offering shuttle links or pedestrian routes to the basilica area.

Practical Tips on Visiting Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco

  • Best time to visit Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco: Early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful atmosphere and soft light.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free access to the square; fees apply for entry to the Basilica museums.
  • Opening hours: Open at all times; Basilica hours vary seasonally.
  • Official website: www.sanfrancescoassisi.org
  • How long to spend: 30-45 minutes to enjoy the atmosphere and surroundings.
  • Accessibility: The lower entrance offers easier access; upper stairs may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
  • Facilities: Restrooms and cafés available nearby; shaded seating under the porticoes.
  • Photography tip: Capture the Basilica’s façade from the square’s upper end for the best composition and sense of scale.
  • Guided tours: Available through local tour companies and the Franciscan friars; these often include the square as part of a broader Basilica visit.
  • Nearby food options: Trattorias and cafés nearby offer Umbrian specialties such as truffle pasta and local wines.

Is Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco is one of the top sights in Assisi - not just as an entryway to the Basilica, but as a living part of the city's spiritual and social landscape. It's a place where the sacred and the everyday converge, where you can rest, reflect, and feel connected to the centuries of pilgrims who came before.

Nearby Attractions to Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco

  • Basilica of Saint Francis - The centerpiece of Assisi, housing the saint's tomb and Giotto's groundbreaking frescoes.
  • Piazza Superiore di San Francesco - The upper square offering panoramic views and a grand approach to the Basilica.
  • Sacred Convent of Assisi - Home to the Franciscan friars and an impressive library of ancient manuscripts.
  • Rocca Maggiore - A medieval fortress with sweeping views over Assisi and the Umbrian countryside.
  • Basilica of Santa Chiara - A graceful pink-stone church dedicated to Saint Clare, companion of Saint Francis.

The Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Assisi!

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Visiting Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco

Address: Piazza inferiore di San Francesco, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy
Assisi: 1 km

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