Assisi

Assisi

Central Italy

Umbria

Assisi Assisi is a small medieval town of about 28,000 people (2022) perched on a hill in Umbria , the heart of . Famous as the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi holds religious, historical, and artistic significance. Periodical exhibits and fairs enrich the visitor's experience.

By train The closest train station is 3 km away from Assisi, in Santa Maria degli Angeli. Coming from Florence, you'll need to change trains at Terontola. Coming from Rome, change at Foligno.

Assisi Train Station , Santa Maria degli Angeli ( at the bottom of the hill, about three km from the centre of town ). ( updated May 2019 ) Getting there: bus line "C" connects train station with the town centre. By bus Buses arrive from the nearby cities of Perugia (1 hr, €2.7), Patrignano, Bettona, Todi, Marsiano. Check timetables at BusItalia website .

Bus stop , Piazza Giacomo Matteotti . ( updated May 2019 ) By car Take the A1 freeway and exit at the SS75. Follow the signs to historical Assisi and park in one of the public lots just outside the city walls. Parking area "Park Matteotti" does cost a bit but is pretty easy to reach and is in a good place to explore the town on foot.

Historical Assisi is very small and easily explored on foot. But go slowly, or the hilly streets will put you out of breath before you know it. During the hotter summer months take an occasional rest in one of the cool churches or enjoy an icecream break (or two). It is advisable to begin your tour at the top of the town (which is the oldest part), so you can enjoy the city going down the hill.

Definitely take the time to walk among Assisi's medieval houses and shops. Most of the cobblestone streets and alleys will take you to the basilica of St. Francis. The basilica of St. Francis is only one of many beautiful churches in Assisi. The cathedral of San Rufino, the basilica of Santa Chiara, and the Chiesa Nuova are also worth a visit. Take the time to hike up to the top of the hill above Assisi and explore the castle - "La Rocca" - where Frederick Barbarossa spent his childhood. From here you can overlook the town and the valley below. Visit the tiny church of St. Stefano, go up a few stairs, and look back downwards for the most picturesque spot of this beautiful little town.

Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi . Basilica was completed in 1253. The walls and ceilings of the upper church are embellished with frescoes of the Giotto school; the lower sanctuary contains the tomb of St. Francis. It's a good idea to rent the audio guide to appreciate the artistic and historical significance of this unique church. Please be quiet as you visit this multi-level structure as it still is a place of prayer for many. ( updated May 2019 ) Treasury Museum of the Basilica of San Francesco ( Museo del Tesoro della Basilica di San Francesco ), Piazza San Francesco 1 . 10:00-13.00; 14:00-17:30 . Free admission . ( updated May 2019 )

San Rufino Cathedral . It has probably the most beautiful façade of all the churches in town. If you have some time to spare visit the museum. ( updated May 2019 ) Assisi Diocesan Museum ( Museo diocesano e cripta di San Rufino ), Palazzo dei Canonici, Piazza San Rufino 3 ( attached to San Rufino Cathedral ). Mar-Oct: 10:00-13:00, 15:00-18:00 . ( updated May 2019 ) Following Via San Rufino (walking down in front of the Cathedral) you arrive to Piazza del Comune, the center of the town. There is a small fountain known as the "lions fountain". There are two main attractions on the Piazza: the "Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo" with the clock tower and the beautiful church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (St. Mary over Minerva), with its impressive Roman columns. Assisi, being an old Roman town, had its own temple dedicated to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. With the arrival of Christianity the temple was transformed into a Catholic church and the Virgin Mary was promoted above pagan wisdom. The church was completely remodeled in the early 1990s and stands in stark contrast to the exterior. In Piazza del Comune you find also the Tourist Information Center. From the "Lions Fountain" find the street called "Corso Mazzini". Here you will find many interesting shops of all sorts. At the end of the street you'll find and archway and after that you will see the lovely St. Claire's Basilica, where the original crucifix, that spoke to Saint Francis, is found. There is a lovely piazza in front of the Church, with wonderful views of the valley. Morning and Evening prayer is beautiful here, with the choir of cloistered Poor Clare nuns singing.

Sportoletti winery ( on the way from Assisi to Spello through the hamlets of Viole and Capitan Loreto ). M-Sa 08:00-13:00 14:30-17:30 . Wine tasting where they offer lovely reds, a basic Assisi Rosso and their famous Villa Fidelia.

Assisi Trattoria degli Umbri , Piazza del Comune 40 , ☏ +39 075 812455 . Closed Th . Simple home style renovated into a restaurant; central location. Il Baccanale , Assisi centre, Via del Comune Vecchio 2 ( near the Piazza Matteotti parking lot. ). A beautiful wine shop offering wines from all over Italy, exotic coffee, sweets and preserves. I monaci ( near Teatro Metastasio ). Osteria Otello ( in front of Chiesa Nuova ). Good prices. Finnegans Pub ( in front of Piazza Matteoti ). Very nice pizza, good prices. Paradiso ( on the road to San Damiano. ). Nice to seat out in the summer. Santa Maria degli Angeli In town you find several little ice cream and pizza shops, you need to look around for quality. Ristorante Basilica , Via Protomartiri Francescani 11 ( opposite the apse of church ), ☏ +39 0758044491 . Closed Tu . Reliable family business well known among locals, delicious fried appetizer, pizza available for dinner. Terra Umbra , Via Patrono d’Italia 10 . The best gourmet shop for all Umbrian foods. Offers olive oil tasting, chocolate, cheese, cured meats, truffles. Pick up your picnic stuff here. Tavola Rotonda ( in a small back street near the Farmacia Comunale [... truncated ...]

Cafes and bars in the town centre serve coffee, wine, and local beverages. Regional wines and spirits are worth sampling.

Hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast establishments offer accommodation. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

The many shops display a variety of local arts and crafts, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and reproductions of medieval weapons and tools. Embroidery and chocolate manufacturing are also typical of the area. Religious items are best purchased at the gift shop behind the lower level of St. Francis basilica. Don't let the shop keepers overcharge you!

Nearby towns and natural attractions are within easy reach by car. Public transport connections are available to major cities in the region.