Rivotorto and the Santuario Francescano: Franciscan Heritage near Assisi

Franciscan History below Assisi

Rivotorto is of interest to travelers who want to get to know Assisi through Franciscan history and its tangible sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites” also includes the Sanctuary of Rivotorto outside the city walls. The Santuario Francescano di Rivotorto is located on the plain below Assisi, 4.5 kilometers from the city. The Order of Friars Minor originated in Rivotorto, and the first rule of the order was written here.

The Sanctuary and Its Works of Art

The Santuario Francescano di Rivotorto was built to enclose the Sacro Tugurio, an important Franciscan site. The sanctuary contains twelve 17th-century paintings by Cesere Sermei depicting episodes from the first Franciscan community in Rivotorto. In addition, there is the 17th-century painting “Saint Michael the Archangel Fighting with the Devil” by Domenico Mattei. Here, the history of the site is combined with a specific collection of sacred art.

Historical Destinations in the Surrounding Area

The surroundings of Rivotorto also broaden the cultural spectrum. The ancient site Temple of Minerva is located near Rivotorto. The monastery Sacro convento di S. Francesco (Assisi, Italy) is also nearby. The surrounding area also includes Palazzo Gerardi and Palazzo Jacobilli - Carrara. This allows you to incorporate different historical themes into your travel plans without limiting your stay to a single site.

Mountains and Landscapes

Mount Monte Subasio is located near Rivotorto. Monte delle Croci, Monte Veduta del Lago, and Poggio delle Civitelle are in the surrounding area. The combination of Franciscan culture and mountains creates an itinerary in which you can combine cultural interests with the landscape experience of the Umbrian surroundings.

Arrival and Individual Routes

For arrivals, the location relative to Assisi railway station is a practical consideration: Santuario di Rivotorto is 2.8 kilometers from Assisi railway station. A walking route connects Assisi railway station with Santuario di Rivotorto. For travelers arriving by train, this connection can be an important point of reference when choosing accommodation in Rivotorto.

On the Ciclovia Assisi-Spoleto, Santuario di Rivotorto is one of the waypoints at kilometer 4.8.

Explore Culture Independently

Another option for self-directed cultural exploration is the free app “Assisi le pietre parlano”. It allows you to choose your own route. If you do not want to tie your sightseeing to a fixed order, the app can be incorporated into an individually planned exploration of Assisi and Rivotorto.

If you are considering a hotel in Rivotorto as accommodation for your trip, you can set your focus according to your interests: on the sanctuary, Franciscan history, historical destinations in the surrounding area, the railway connection, or a cycling trip. Rivotorto offers a clear cultural framework with different points of interest for your personal planning.

Further Places for Travel Planning

You can find further places for orientation under Pozzuolo, Gioiello, Savelli, Fossato Di Vico, Morra, Pianello, Parlesca, and San Litardo.

For the overarching travel overview: Perugia.