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. San Damiano
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,244 reviews
The church of San Damiano was restored by St. Frances of Assisi and later served as home for St. Clare.
Reviewed By GreenInsights - Perth, Australia
Quite a pilgrimage walk to get there if following the signs from near St Clare’s Basilica but gorgeous views on the way and steps or ramp to walk on. Once there a self guided tour through the sacred spaces where St Clare and her sisters lived, worked and prayed and where St Francis wrote hie famous Canticle to Creation. It is definitely worth the effort to get there !
2. Eremo delle Carceri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,278 reviews
The retreat high in the mountains above Assisi where St. Francis frequently stayed to meditate and pray.
Reviewed By jmaiaf
Quiet, forested retreat. Wander about, watch for short doorways (!), sit, breathe Views are wondrous.
3. Tili Vini Societa Agricola
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 478 reviews
The Tili Winery is a family organic farm, located in Umbria, the green heart of Italy, on the sunny and stony hillsides of Mount Subasio overlooking the near town of Assisi; and it produces high quality organic Wines "Assisi DOC" and "Umbria IGT" and Extra Virgin Olive Oils. The farm organize not only guided visits of the vineyards, olive trees and winery with following a tasting of its products but also particular tours like Treasure hunt or active experiences like Winemaker for a day or Harvest together. Please contact us to organize your tour at our winery!
Reviewed By Robinlea - Mount Juliet, United States
I was with a group of about 12 people who went to the winery to do a tour and wine tasting. it was a wonderful experience ????I highly recommend anybody in the Assisi area to do this ! The hostesses were funny and charming ,the wines are superb as is their olive oil.. all organic. The tour was just the right lenght and I like that it's a family business..it felt very welcoming and comfortable as we tasted different wines in their home along with some wonderful side dishes. Great way to spend an afternoon!
4. Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,825 reviews
Reviewed By KatrinaMolini - Corciano, Italy
I love the Basilica and Assisi in general. We always bring our guests here and they like it a lot. It’s the best to enter the Basilica from the Lower Square (or Plaza). You have to wear a modest outfit (covered shoulders is a must) and keep silence at all times. There are some covers (one time use) at the entrance. There is no fee to visit the Basilica. After entering the Basilica via Lower Church, visit the Tomb of St. Francis of Assisi and proceed to the Cloister of Sixtus IV and the Upper Church (or Upper Basilica and exit to the Upper Square and from here visit the city of Assisi. We also visited the free treasury museum, which is located on the upper level in the cloister. On the same level there is a gift shop too. It’s quite big and sells a huge variety of items. They also usually have some temporary exhibitions in the cloisters. Very interesting. My favorite part though is in the upper church of basilica- the colorful ceiling and Giotto’s frescoes that tell the story of St. Francis of Assisi. Always a pleasure to admire the artworks like that and the architecture of the complex. You will enjoy even if you are not religious. This landmark in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
5. Basilica Superiore di San Francesco d' Assisi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By Elgiecg - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Church is rich in history, the scenic View was awesome and very privileged to have visited the Basilica. Saint Francis was born and died in Assisi.
6. Basilica di Santa Chiara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,421 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 chatwinesque - Lisbon, Portugal
Behind an unremarkable exterior, the inside of this basilica is surprisingly beautiful - austere, with a few fading beautiful frescoes and the famous "talking" crucifix, an Orthodox-like piece of art worth the visit in itself, and the tomb of Saint Claire in the crypt.
7. Rocca Maggiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,058 reviews
Dating back to the 12th century, this grand castle fortress dominates the region since it is perched atop a walled hilltop overlooking the city of Assisi and surrounding countryside.
Reviewed By beautifulvoyag - Singapore, Singapore
Short walk through about 170 steps from a small alley and we reached this ancient medieval fort. View was spectacular and you can get a awesome beautiful view of the Assisi town and the Basilica.
8. Cattedrale di San Rufino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 795 reviews
First built as early as the 5th century, this historic church features the baptismal font of St. Francis, St. Clare and Emperor Frederick II.
Reviewed By chatwinesque - Lisbon, Portugal
San Ruffino is the cathedral of Assisi - especially remarkable for its beautiful - austere and graceful - façade, and a spacious and light interior, where the baptismal basin where Saint Francis and Saint Claire were baptized almost disappears under flowers and an iron grille. I didn't see the museum, but they say is good.
9. Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli - Porziuncola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,979 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 GreenInsights - Perth, Australia
St Francis started his good works in prayer inside this little original chapel encased by the huge Basilica. Go there to experience the mystery
10. Bosco di San Francesco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
Reviewed By amall68 - Sliema, Malta
The day started off with some rain but it soon lifted and we had a most beautiful experience walking in the woods. we started from the entrance gate in the wall in front of the Basilica. The volunteers from FAI were very welcoming and helpful in explaining the trails. The walk down to the visitor centre is charming though after the rains it can be somewhat slippery so good shows and a steady hand are needed. The visitor centre next to the chapel of Santa Croce is well organized and provides details of the recovery and restoration works. From there we walked to the Mill and stream and then to the Land art installation by Pistoletto known as Il Terzo Paradiso. This expanse of land with three circles outlined by olive trees provides a quasi ethereal experience. Initially we intended to retrace our steps to the Basilica but instead found a little pathway that took us up the opposite hillside and back to Assisi from Porta Perlici. All in all a great walk and immersion in the woods surrounding Assisi.
