Assisi
About 35 minutes
Assisi glows pink in the evening sun. The town of Saint Francis clings to Monte Subasio, with narrow lanes, flower boxes and views over the entire valley. The Basilica of San Francesco and the town are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don’t miss
World Heritage
Basilica of San Francesco
Two churches, one above the other, built in 1228. Upstairs, Giotto’s frescoes tell the life of Saint Francis; downstairs you’ll see Cimabue, Lorenzetti and Simone Martini. Admission is free.
Saint Clare
Basilica of Santa Chiara
The pink and white striped church of Saint Clare, with her tomb and the San Damiano crucifix. The square in front is a balcony over the valley.
Roman
Piazza del Comune
The square at the heart of the town, with the columns of the Roman Temple of Minerva. The best spot for an espresso and people-watching.
Views
Rocca Maggiore
Climb to the castle above the town for the finest view in Assisi, over the rooftops and far into the valley.
In the woods
Hermitage of the Carceri
About 4 km outside the town, at 800 metres in the quiet woods of Monte Subasio: the hermitage where Francis withdrew to pray.
In the valley
Santa Maria degli Angeli
Below Assisi stands a great basilica built around the Porziuncola, Francis’s tiny chapel.
Practical
- From the Giovanni Paolo II car park you come out almost at the basilica.
- From the Mojano car park, escalators take you up into the town.
- Porta Nuova is convenient for Santa Chiara.
- Come early or late in the afternoon: you’ll have the lanes almost to yourself and the town turns pink.
Events
Exact dates for 2027 will be announced; check the event’s website shortly before your trip.
Early May
Calendimaggio
Assisi celebrates spring: the upper and lower towns compete in medieval costumes, with music, singing and torchlight parades.
30 May 2027
Infiorata of Spello
In neighbouring Spello, people lay carpets of flower petals through the streets on the night before Corpus Domini.
October 3 and 4
Feast of Saint Francis
Assisi honors its saint with services and processions. A special, peaceful atmosphere.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Feast of Francis: Maurizio Zanetti (CC BY 2.0).
Stay with us
From Casa Tre Pettirossi you’re in Assisi in just over half an hour. Eight apartments with their own kitchen and a swimming pool overlooking the valley, from April 2027.