Assisi, Italy: 8 Top Attractions + Facts about This World Heritage Town

Assisi, Italy isn’t just home to UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Framed by the long, undulating hills of Umbria and the forests of Monte Subasio, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world and one of Italy’s most captivating little towns.

Assisi is recognized for its postcard-like charm, valuable art and historic buildings, such as the Basilica di San Francesco. This basilica boasts a remarkable array of frescoes (murals) and paintings, rivaling art museums. The town is also significant for its role in spreading the Franciscan Order and its continuous city-sanctuary essence from its origins to the present day, as recognized by the UN.

Read along for our guide on all things Assist, Italy, from the town’s religious history to its must-see sites.

Assisi, Italy is a charming little city to get lost in. Photo credit: Gabriella Clare

Why is Assisi, Italy So Religious?

As the birthplace of two of Catholicism’s most venerated saints and patron saints of Italy, Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena, Assisi, Italy is a town with religion deeply intertwined in its essence. Visitors shouldn’t be surprised to see monks in long brown robes roaming the streets or bands of pilgrims walking the country roads surrounding the town.

Assisi’s religious impact extends to its twin cities, including Bethlehem and Santiago de Compostela. This town, known globally for peace, hosted significant interfaith meetings convened by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. St. Clare, residing in Assisi, was inspired by St. Francis and co-founded the Order of Poor Clares, a legacy that endures.

The town’s strong religious ties have influenced its history and art to the point where the three are inextricably linked. Local artisans craft religious figurines and the most valuable artistic works in the region are housed in Assisi’s many churches and Basilicas.

Assisi, Italy, is a place where religion is deeply woven into its core. Photo credit: S. Turby

Is Assisi a Walkable City?

The historic center of Assisi, Italy is small and easy to explore on foot. However, remember that Assisi is located in hilly Umbria, near Monte Subasio. Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes as the cobblestone streets can be steep.

Speaking of wardrobe…

Since a huge part of visiting Assisi is stepping inside its many gorgeous churches, be sure to dress appropriately. Shorts that cover your knees and shirts that cover your shoulders are a must for both men and women.

Assisi is hilly, but the views are fantastic. Photo credit: Chris Yunker

When Should I Visit Assisi?

While you can visit the city year-round, we recommend fall, winter, and spring due to more pleasant temperatures. Summers can be very hot, and that’s when the pilgrimage crowds peak. Thanks to its central Italian location, Assisi’s shoulder seasons are often warm and enjoyable, even when northern regions are still chilly.

Whenever you visit, it’s good to be aware of these yearly events. They offer fun opportunities for cultural immersion, but also note that the city might be more crowded, and accommodations could be pricier during these periods (you’ll see increased crowds, so it’s wise to book Assisi hotels well ahead!)

• Late March/early April: Easter
• Early May: Calendimaggio, featuring medieval reenactments and festivities
• Late September/early October: March for Peace from Perugia to Assisi, showcasing Catholic activism
• Early October: Feast day of St. Francis
• December: Christmas season! Expect nativity scenes all around town and the Nativity Scenes of the World exhibit. Don’t miss the grand nativity scene in front of the Basilica of St. Francis and explore Christmas Markets in early December filled with crafts and delicious food in the main square and Piazza Santa Chiara.

And when it comes to the duration of your trip?

Though you could tour the city center in just an afternoon, we’d recommend an overnight stay or at least a full day to truly soak in the atmosphere.

No matter the season, visiting Assisi is a fantastic idea. Photo credit: Alessio Roversi

What Are the Top Attractions in Assisi?

Rocca Maggiore

The Rocca Maggiore is a large castle in Assisi, perched on the highest point.

It was built in the 14th century and serves as a great starting point for sightseeing since everything is downhill from there. From the castle, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Perugia to the North, the town of Assisi below, and the surrounding valleys.

The castle was constructed by Cardinal Albornoz to intimidate the townspeople and has undergone multiple expansions, lootings, and renovations over the centuries. Legend also has it that the formidable Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick I (Barbarossa), spent his early years here.

Rocca Maggiore offers stunning panoramic views. Photo credit: Davide Terragni

Basilica of St. Francis

Assisi’s main attraction is the Basilica of St. Francis, an impressive structure visible from afar. Its construction began in 1228 after St. Francis’ death, completing in 1253 with an upper church added. Divided into upper and lower parts, both feature captivating frescoes. 

The upper church showcases Giotto’s 28 vivid frescoes depicting St. Francis’ life. The lower church holds works by Cimabue, Lorenzetti, and Martini, reflecting Giotto’s influence. The lower sanctuary houses St. Francis’ monumental tomb.

Interesting fact: St. Francis’ remains were hidden after his death to prevent theft. Rediscovered in 1818, they remain intact, a rare feat among saintly skeletons.

Assisi is one of the most charming little cities in Italy. Photo credit: Mattia Poli

Duomo di San Rufino

The San Rufino Cathedral, or simply Assisi Cathedral, is a favorite spot among pilgrims in Assisi, Italy due to its connection to St. Francis’ life. It has a beautiful, Romanesque façade featuring three rose windows. Built atop an old Roman cistern in the 13th-century, the remodeled interior is primarily from the 16th century.

Here you’ll find the fountain where both St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized. The Cathedral was dedicated to San Rufino, or St. Rufinus, after he converted Assisi to Christianity in AD 238 and was later martyred. It’s said that his remains still rest in a Roman sarcophagus in the cathedral.

The Assisi Cathedral is a must-visit when exploring the town. Photo credit: HEN-Magonza

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Not to be confused with the church of the same name in Rome, this church is built inside a converted 1st century BC temple once dedicated to the Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva.

Amid all the medieval and Renaissance buildings, its towering corinthian columns are a stark reminder of the power and beauty of Roman imperial architecture. When early Christians converted the temple they bestowed on it the name of the powerful Virgin Mary, a saint who could neutralize any lingering pagan power and influence.

This building was one of Goethe’s first stops during his celebrated journey through Italy and remained a particular favorite. The temple of Minerva may look Roman from the outside but the interior was completely remodeled in the 16th century and is a stark contrast to the Cathedral’s ancient past.

Don’t confuse the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva of Assisi with the one in Rome. Photo credit: Marco

Santa Maria degli Angeli

St. Mary of the Angels is a 16th-century church, found about 2.5 miles downhill from Assisi, close to the train station. This Basilica is renowned for containing the Porziuncola, a small stone building believed to be the dwelling of St. Francis and his followers. Nowadays, the Porziuncola is situated inside Santa Maria degli Angeli. This modest church is thought to be where St. Francis established the Franciscan order and passed away around October 3, 1226. A significant site for pilgrims and those intrigued by Catholic relic history.

Interesting tidbit: The Porziuncola isn’t the only instance of a building within a building in the possession of the Catholic Church. The Holy House of Loreto, transported with effort from Jerusalem to Italy, is also considered the Virgin Mary’s dwelling and serves as a prominent pilgrimage destination, much like the Porziuncola.

San Damiano Church

San Damiano is a small church outside Assisi’s walls. Legend says St. Francis heard God’s voice here, urging him to “rebuild the church.” He penned his renowned Canticle of the Creatures here, praising nature and animals in an Umbrian dialect. Around a mile southeast of the city center, it offers a pleasant walk through fields and olive trees, plus picturesque views of the Valley of Spoleto.

San Damiano Church is smaller compared to other churches in Assisi, but still wroth the visit. Photo credit: Damian Entwistle

Chiesa Nuova

Near to the Piazza del Comune, Assisi’s central piazza, Chiesa Nuova supposedly sits atop the childhood home of St. Francis. Built by King Philip III of Spain in the 1600s, a bronze statue of St. Francis’ parents sits outside to honor their home.

Basilica di Santa Chiara

St. Clare, a significant figure in Catholic history, lived during St. Francis’ time and established the Poor Clares Order. Her resting place is in the crypt of the 13th-century Church. Don’t miss the stunning pink and white facade, along with the San Damiano Crucifix, the symbol St. Francis prayed during his spiritual revelation.

The details on the Basilica di Santa Chiara are simply stunning. Photo credit: Carlo Raso

Are there Local Artisans in Assisi?

 Artisan traditions in Assisi, Italy thrive with local crafts, from ceramics to weaponry (just like many other places across the country).

Umbrian cured meats and chocolate are among the most coveted of Umbria’s regional delights. The best chocolate in Assisi is made in the nearby Perugina chocolate factory and is renowned across Italy, so if you’re a sweets lover, definitely check it out!

For wearable items, gold or silver Tau cross necklaces symbolize St. Francis. Assisi offers quality leather goods like belts, shoes, and jackets. If you’re in the mood for something kitschy, look out for a St. Francis bobblehead.

Insider’s tip: If buying cured meats, look for packages labeled “Norcia“, which is a town about an hour away that is considered the birthplace of pork curing in Italy. Guanciale and coppa from Norcia are particular favorites.

The most unique souvenir you’ll find in Assisi? A bobble head of St. Francis. Photo credit: David Tip

This post was published on September 12, 2016 and was updated on August 17, 2023.

If you found our insiders’ guide to Assisi helpful, check out some of our other great guides: The Amalfi Coast Guide, the Tuscany Archipelago Guide, the Vatican City Guide, and the Trieste City Guide.