Beyond its famous basilica, Assisi is a wonderfully preserved medieval town that rewards slow exploration. Its pink-and-white stone streets, climbing the slopes of Monte Subasio, have changed little in centuries. For pilgrims following the footsteps of Saint Francis, and for travellers simply drawn to Umbria’s quiet beauty, the whole town feels like part of the journey.
Walking in the Footsteps of Francis and Clare
A pilgrimage to Assisi usually takes in several connected sites. The Basilica of Saint Clare holds the tomb of Clare, the noblewoman who followed Francis’s path and founded the Poor Clares. The Church of San Damiano, just outside the walls, is where Francis is said to have heard a call to rebuild the church. Higher up the mountain, the hermitage of the Eremo delle Carceri offers woodland silence and small caves used by the early friars.
The Town Itself
The main square, Piazza del Comune, centres on a Roman-era temple façade now incorporated into a church – a reminder of the town’s ancient roots. Narrow lanes lead to viewpoints over the Umbrian plain, small artisan shops, and quiet courtyards. Down on the plain stands the great Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which shelters the tiny Porziuncola chapel so important to the Franciscan story.
A Place of Peace
Assisi has long been associated with the ideals of peace and dialogue, and it attracts visitors of many faiths and none. The pace is unhurried, and many people find that an overnight stay – lingering after the day-trippers leave – reveals the town at its most serene, with the basilica glowing in the evening light.
Getting There
Assisi has its own railway station on the plain below the old town, with connections from Rome, Florence, and Perugia. A short bus ride or taxi climbs to the historic centre, which is largely pedestrian. The nearest airport is at Perugia, while Rome and Florence are both reachable in a few hours by train.
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