Things to Do in Assisi: a Practical Guide

The essential things to do in Assisi are the Basilica of St Francis with its frescoed upper and lower churches, the Basilica of Santa Chiara, Piazza del Comune with the Roman Temple of Minerva, and the walk up to the Rocca Maggiore for views over the Umbrian plain. One day covers these; an overnight stay lets you see the town quiet and add the Franciscan sites outside the walls.

The Basilica of St Francis

The great double church at the western end of town is the reason most visitors come. The lower church holds the tomb of St Francis and frescoes by Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti; the upper church is lined with the cycle of scenes from the saint’s life traditionally attributed to Giotto. Allow at least two hours. Dress code, booking and the best times to visit are covered in our separate guide to visiting the Basilica of St Francis.

Basilica of Santa Chiara

At the opposite end of the old town, the striped pink and white church of Santa Chiara holds the tomb of St Clare, Francis’s companion and founder of the Poor Clares. A side chapel keeps the painted crucifix of San Damiano, before which, according to tradition, Francis received his calling. The piazza in front has a broad view over the valley.

Piazza del Comune and the Temple of Minerva

The main square sits on the site of the Roman forum. Its centrepiece is the Temple of Minerva, a Roman temple façade with Corinthian columns, now a church. Below the square you can visit remains of the forum. Cafés line the piazza; it is the natural place for a break between the two basilicas.

Cathedral of San Rufino

Uphill from the main square, Assisi’s cathedral has a Romanesque façade with three rose windows. Inside is the font where, according to tradition, both Francis and Clare were baptised.

Rocca Maggiore

The medieval castle crowns the hill above the town. The climb is steep but short, and the views over Assisi, the plain and Perugia on its ridge are wide and memorable. Opening times vary by season.

Beyond the walls

• San Damiano: a small convent below the town, reached on foot in around 20 minutes downhill through olive groves. Francis restored the church, and Clare lived here with her community. It is a peaceful place, far from the crowds.
• Eremo delle Carceri: a hermitage in the woods on Monte Subasio, where Francis and his companions retreated to pray. It lies several kilometres uphill from the town; walking takes good shoes and a fair amount of time, so many people take a taxi up and walk down.
• Santa Maria degli Angeli: a large basilica in the plain near the railway station, built around the Porziuncola, the small chapel at the heart of Francis’s early community, close to the spot where he died. Easy to visit on arrival or departure by train.

A one-day plan

Time	Plan
Early morning	Arrive and go straight to the Basilica of St Francis before the groups
Late morning	Walk up Via San Francesco to Piazza del Comune and the Temple of Minerva
Lunch	Side streets off the main square
Afternoon	Santa Chiara, San Rufino, then the Rocca Maggiore
Evening	If staying overnight: the basilica’s lower piazza at dusk, dinner in town

Practical tips

Getting there: the train from Perugia takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes to Assisi station in Santa Maria degli Angeli, and a local bus runs up to the old town. Drivers park in the car parks outside the walls; several are linked to the centre by escalators or lifts. Full details are in our page on getting from Perugia to Assisi.

Dress code: cover shoulders and knees in all churches, not only the basilica.

Silence and photos: the basilicas are places of worship. Photography is restricted inside the Basilica of St Francis.

The 2026 anniversary: St Francis died in 1226, and the 800th anniversary is marked throughout 2026 with additional celebrations. Expect more pilgrim groups, especially around his feast day on 4 October. Check the basilica’s website for current arrangements.

Staying overnight: Assisi changes character after the last coaches leave. A night in the old town or a farm stay on the slopes of Monte Subasio is worth considering.

Walking to or from Assisi

Assisi is a key stop on the Way of St Francis between La Verna and Rome. If you are drawn to long-distance walking, read our guide to walking the Way of St Francis. For other towns nearby, Spello is the next stop on the railway; see Spello and Bevagna. Everything on Assisi is collected in the Assisi section.