Location: Assisi
Top Things to do in Assisi
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10 Things to Do in Assisi That You Shouldn't Miss
Best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy's patron saint, Assisi lies amid Umbria's rolling hills. Religious pilgrims have come here for centuries to visit the Basilica of San Francesco (where St. Francis is buried) and the Basilica of Santa Chiara (to see the tomb of St. Clare). Visit the Eremo delle Carceri to see caves where medieval hermits withdrew from the world. (You may find such solitude quite appealing—especially if you're here on a daytrip from Rome!)
Restaurants in Assisi
1. Museo della Porziuncola
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By lollygal - New York City, New York
Our guide called this the "baby church"inside a church. It is the chapel where St Francis heard the voice of God It was a moving experience to feel the energy and spirit of the love of St Francis here.
2. Basilica inferiore di San Francesco d'Assisi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is rich in many respects ... historically, artistically, religiously, etc. Assisi itself is a remarkably beautiful place to visit. It is one of the best Medieval towns in Italy. Nothing much has changed since the time of St. Francis himself (12th-13th centuries). It is as if time has stood still. The place is so rich in art and architecture. You can see this from its churches, squares, Fountains, towers, walls, and so forth.
One of the most visited structures in Assisi is, of course, the Basilica of Saint Francis, where his mortal remains are venerated. The series of frescoes painted by Giotto is impressive! This is the prime destination of pilgrims especially during the month of October on the occasion of the Saint's liturgical feast day. The nearby church of Saint Clair is also worth-visiting. You must also visit the small church of Porziuncula inside the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels located 4kms away from Assisi and the Chapel of St. Damian located just 2kms outside Assisi. It was in this church where the Crucified Christ spoke to St. Francis.
Outside the church you'll find lovely restaurants, souvenir shops, historical buildings, and a a lot more! This is one place I would very highly recommend that you visit! It will give you a first-hand experience of the Medieval time in Italy!
3. San Damiano
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The church of San Damiano was restored by St. Frances of Assisi and later served as home for St. Clare.
Reviewed By gerson v - Freising, Germany
This place is a highlight, much better depicting the atmosphere of Franciscus in contrast to the busy bus-load filled inner city church. The walking route in the church goes through the whole building showing you so many particulars, you could spend a day meditating about it I think also the surroundings is amazing. What a place! Loved it! If you come in holliday clothes here, please leave and be ashamed of yourself. It will be very inappropiate.
4. Eremo delle Carceri
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The retreat high in the Mountains above Assisi where St. Francis frequently stayed to meditate and pray.
Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
It was the refuge in the Mountains of Assisi, of Sant François of Assise, now it's a small monastery for visits, a quit and simple hermit refuge, for relax and meditations; Assisi is in the province of Prerugia, it's a place of pilgrimage.
5. Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
This Basilica was started in 1569 to the designs of Galeazzo Alessi, and features a statue of the Madonna in bronze gilt by G. Colasanti and an interior whose architectural style is Doric.
Reviewed By TNTATTHEBEACH - St. Pete Beach, Florida
Not something you see every day - that’s for sure. How wonderful to reflect on the sacrificial and all too short of life of St. Frances as you may worship in the same “chapel” as he did 800 years ago. Italy has done such a fabulous service to the world preserving and maintaining such marvelous treasures.
6. Basilica di Santa Chiara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Built onto the original Chapel of St. George, this Cathedral is where St. Clare of Assisi was buried in a crypt in 1872.
Reviewed By dnr1202 - Juliette, Georgia
We were on a religious pilgrimage and this is one of the churches we wanted to see, specifically for the Sa Damiano Cross.
We were not disappointed in anything this magnificent church had. It was so beautiful and solemn. When we entered the chapel with the San Damiano cross I was speechless! I had no idea that the experience would be so powerful!
My advice to anyone who is in Assisi; stop by Santa Chiara and spend time in front of the San Damiano cross. Take some time, don't hurry through, settle in quiet and let the Lord work. He will not disappoint.
7. Santa Maria delle Rose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By travelD - Montana
We stumbled across this permanent exhibition while wandering the streets of Assisi during a pilgrimage tour of Italy. The contrast to the medieval setting is remarkable, however, the continuity with its past is very fitting.
If you are a woman, a mother, a Catholic, appreciate beautiful modern art or just want to slip away from the hustle and bustle of Assisi for a contemplative moment, this gallery is a wonderful place.
If you're all of the above, the impact is beyond words.
8. Chiesa Santo Stefano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By petitCharles - Winnipeg, Canada
I will never know what impulse made me follow the half hidden sign to Chiesa Santo Stefano, certainly well off the beaten path, but what a place of solitude and serenity! Simple little church with a beautiful cross - and completely quiet and untroubled by the hustle and bustle of the rest of Assisi!
9. Santuario di Rivotorto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By ruthandvern - Wilton, California
We were staying in the valley below the ancient town where Francis grew up and found his faith and pursued it. We went to San Rufino to see where he had been baptized and spent time in prayer and contemplation, we saw the symbolic crucifix at San Damiano. Through this time he would come down to the valley through a pine forest, 4-5 km from town with his followers and stay in what was essentially a branch covered hut on a farmer's property and pray and discuss the Mission of living the life Jesus led, of following the gospel in poverty, charity, prayer and fasting. That hut is gone, but the "hovel" that is within the walls of this sanctuary is filled with the spirit of the men who came here. It is a wonderful representation of the heart of the first Franciscan Mission. There is a real feeling of pure serenity in this place. Sit and soak it into your self.
10. Bosco di San Francesco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
Reviewed By happytraveller575 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
I guess this could have been a pleasant peaceful walk in different circumstances, but I felt we should have been warned that the paths are gravel, steep in places and require sturdy footwear. On a warm humid evening, I gave up and returned, exhausted to base. This place could be dangerous if you're not careful.
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