Assisi
Assisi is a small Umbrian town in central Italy, located 12 miles (19 km) east of Perugia at an elevation of 1,300 feet (400 meters). Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis — patron saint of Italy, founder of the Franciscan order, and one of the most popular Catholic saints. Assisi's main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, which contains sacred relics of Francis and beautiful early Renaissance frescoes of his life.
The town of Assisi, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines, has been a major Catholic pilgrimage destination for centuries and is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Although Assisi has only about 3,000 inhabitants (26,000 in the larger comune of Assisi), 4 to 5 million pilgrims and tourists throng the small town each year. As would be expected, the city has lost some of its hill-town charm and become rather "touristy" but its many great sites make it very much worth seeing nevertheless. And several sites outside of the city walls remain quiet and frequented mainly by pilgrims.
Assisi Map
Get a birds-eye view of Assisi's churches and other sights with our interactive, high-resolution aerial map.
The Life of St. Francis
Get to know Assisi's most famous son with this brief overview of his remarkable life.
Assisi Travel Books & Maps
Some recommended resources for your trip to Assisi.
Car Rentals in Italy
Make a day trip to Assisi easier (and cheaper) with the freedom of a rental car.
Assisi Hotel Reviews
Read candid traveler reviews, check ratings, and compare prices on lodging in Assisi.
Assisi Hotels
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Assisi Travel Forum
Ask experienced travelers for advice on Assisi travel or browse previous discussions.
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Basilica di San Francesco
Filled with spectacular frescoes by Giotto, this is Assisi's crowning glory and a place of pilgrimage for Cathoics and art lovers alike. |
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Basilica di Santa Chiara
The final resting place of St. Clare, beloved friend of St. Francis and founder-abbess of the Order of the Poor Clares. |
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Duomo di San Rufino
The Duomo is Assisi's cathedral and was once the city's main church. It is dedicated to the bishop who first brought Christianity to Assisi, and both Francis and Clare were baptized here. |
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Eremo delle Carceri
A peacefully isolated church and monastery in the wooded slopes just outside Assisi's walls, this was the first monastic home of St. Francis' and his followers. |
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San Damiano
This church and monastery outside the city walls is where the crucifix spoke to St. Francis, prompting him to repair it and begin his ministry. Later, St. Clare died here. |
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Santa Maria degli Angeli
This grand baroque basilica houses the small Porziuncola, a chapel restored by St. Francis and the place where St. Clare took her vows, as well as the humble cell in which St. Francis died. |
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Santa Maria sopra Minerva
A baroque church dedicated to Mary that stands behind a classical facade and incorporates the remains of the Temple of Minerva that dates from around the time of Christ. |
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