Assisi between Francis, Antiquity and the Umbrian Landscape

Assisi is a destination where spiritual history, Roman antiquity and the Umbrian landscape come together as distinct facets. Assisi and its built-up area are an outstanding example of an Umbrian hill town and cultural landscape whose historical layers have been preserved since antiquity. For planning your trip, this makes it an interesting place where culture, religious significance and nature each have their own focus.

Spiritual Centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Assisi continues to fulfil its medieval role as the spiritual centre of the Franciscan Order and as an important Christian pilgrimage destination. Since 2000, Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan sites have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica of San Francesco consists of two churches arranged one above the other: the Lower Church and the Upper Church. Both churches contain decorative works by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and Jacopo Torriti.

The architectural history also reaches far back. Construction of the Basilica of Santa Chiara began in 1257 on the site of the Church of San Giorgio, which was integrated into the new structure. The so-called Temple of Minerva has been preserved to its full elevation and is considered one of the best-preserved and most readily comprehensible examples of Roman religious architecture. The Roman Forum of the ancient city of Asisium lies beneath today's Piazza del Comune. It is currently accessible through the crypt of the former Church of San Niccolò and displays Roman stone artefacts.

Rocca Maggiore and Historic Sites

Rocca Maggiore is an ancient site in the immediate vicinity of Assisi. Its battlement walk and polygonal tower offer panoramic views over the Umbrian valley. The Museo della Rocca Maggiore offers views from the towers and the outer courtyard, medieval interiors and historic coats of arms. The Temple of Minerva is also an ancient site in the immediate vicinity of Assisi. The Sacro convento di S. Francesco is a monastery in the immediate vicinity of Assisi, while the Monastero delle Benedettine di Sant'Anna is a monastery in the area surrounding Assisi.

Landscape, Trails and Mountains

The Eremo delle Carceri can be reached on foot from Porta Cappuccini via Trail 350, along a 3.5-kilometre route. The Bosco di San Francesco near Assisi covers 64 hectares and has an 800-year history. Monte Subasio is a mountain in the immediate vicinity of Assisi. Monte delle Croci and Monte dei Cani are mountains in the area surrounding Assisi. The Giardini pubblici garden is also located in the area surrounding Assisi.

When choosing your hotel or accommodation, you can take these different focuses into account when planning your days. Those primarily interested in churches, art and ancient architecture will have different priorities from someone taking the route to the Eremo delle Carceri, the Bosco di San Francesco or the mountains in the surrounding area into consideration. The location details range from the immediate vicinity to the area surrounding Assisi; this distinction helps you match the location of your accommodation with your personal travel plans.

More Destinations for Your Trip to Italy

Carbonesca, Volterrano, Colbassano, Spedalicchio, Paciano, Citta Della Pieve, Selci Lama and Pila.

To the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.