Nestled on the hillsides of Umbria in the province of Perugia, we find Assisi, the city of Saints Francis and Clare, a gem waiting to be discovered.
Assisi is known worldwide as the birthplace of Saint Francis, the saint who revolutionized the way we understand faith and life in communion with nature. Founded in Roman times, this medieval city has witnessed transformations and has been forged at the crossroads of religious and cultural traditions. From its origins as a small settlement to its growth as a spiritual and artistic center, every street and building holds echoes of a fascinating past. But beyond its importance as a religious destination, Assisi is a city of great architectural appeal, attracting many visitors.
We begin our tour at the Basilica of San Francisco, a monumental complex declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Excursion to Assisi from Florence
You can get there on foot from the historic center, going down Via San Francesco, the main street leading to the Basilica. Alternatively, if you arrive by train at Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli station, you can take bus C, which goes up to the upper part of the town and drops you off near the Basilica. You can get off at Piazza Unità di Italia. We went by car; there are four parking lots outside the walls: Porta San Giovanni, Mojano, Porta Nuova, and Piazza Mattioti.
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Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
The monumental complex consists of the upper and lower basilicas, and admission is free unless you want a guided tour. Here you can admire impressive frescoes and the saint’s tomb.
Saint Francis of Assisi was born here in 1181. He symbolized the city because he dedicated himself to the service of God, helping the poor, abandoning his family’s wealth. He is also closely associated with Saint Clare of Assisi, a spiritual disciple of Saint Francis and founder of the Poor Clares: at the age of 18, she fled her wealthy family to join Francis in the small church of Saint Mary of the Angels.
Next stop: the Basilica of Saint Clare, built immediately after her death. In the full Umbrian Gothic style, it houses important relics of the saint and of Saint Francis.
Historic center of Assisi
You can’t miss strolling through the narrow streets of Assisi, where every corner tells a story..
Piazza del Comune and Temple of Minerva
We thus arrived at the Town Hall Square and the Temple of Minerva. The Temple of Minerva, with its enormous columns, is one of the must-see places in Assisi. It is a Roman construction that predates the construction of St. Francis, and when the Roman Empire fell, it became the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in 1539.
San Rufino Cathedral
The Cathedral of Assisi or San Rufino is another place to visit.
From Rocca Maggiore, an ancient fortress with panoramic views, to the charming Piazza del Comune, the heart of the city, every step connects you with the past and the beauty of medieval architecture. Each of these places immerses you in a unique atmosphere, where history and spirituality intertwine to offer an unforgettable experience.
New Church and birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi
This church is worth a look, right next to the house where Saint Francis of Assisi was born and raised.
Basilica of Saint Clare of Assisi
The Basilica of Saint Clare is an important place of worship dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, founder of the Poor Clares. The Gothic-style church was built in the 13th century and houses the remains of Saint Clare. Its interior is notable for its beautiful frescoes and impressive architecture.
Rocca Maggiore
The last stop is the Rocca Maggiore, the imposing bastion that dominates the city and the surrounding countryside.
Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels
Before leaving, or upon arrival, because it’s very close to the train station, on the lower part of the city, it’s advisable to visit the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels. Built to protect some of the important places in the life of Saint Francis, the small Porziuncola Church is located inside..
Practical information, map and video of Assisi
You can stay in Assisi, but we chose to visit for just the day and continue our journey to the Tuscany region, which we’ll explore in future videos.
Assisi is easily accessible. If you’re flying to Italy, Rome Airport is a popular option, from where you can take a direct train to Assisi, with a journey time of approximately two hours. The Assisi station is connected to nearby cities and offers convenient and punctual service. Once in the city, you can explore the historic center on foot. However, if you don’t want to tire yourself out, you can take the Eco Tour bus, which you can catch in Piazza del Comune for €15.
You can also visit Assisi from Florence, and for both cases, there are excursions in Spanish. If you want a more relaxed experience, this is a great option.
We arrived by car, which, as you know, we had rented to tour a large part of Italy. Upon arrival, you have to find parking since you can’t drive around the city.
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience and is completely objective. This article contains affiliate links.
