The medieval city of Assisi, added in 2000 to the UNESCO World Heritage list, is a treasure protected by rolling hills, endless fields and dreamy rows of cypresses. Assisi is famous not only as the birthplace of St. Francis and Clare, but also as one of the main symbols of peace of the European Community. Moreover, several natural, historic and enogastronomic attractions make this city a perfect destination for a one-day trip. Enjoy the quiet of this wonderful city and the best of the hospitable Italian spirit, we are sure you will not regret it! Attractions
Assisi is home to the 13th century Basilica di San Francisco, where St. Francis lies. The Basilica hosts wonderful frescoes by numerous late medieval painters such as Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and Cimabue. This is the largest basilica in Assisi, and comprises two churches known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church, as well as a crypt where the remains of the saint are interred. Because of the quality of the frescoes, the basilica is still considered a wonderful example of the development of the Italian art of that period. The architecture is balanced a synthesis of the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and its interchange with the spiritual message of the Franciscan Order has significantly contributed to developments architecture in the world. If you visit the Basilica, do not miss the ornate rose window set in the tympanum of the Lower Church: it has been claimed to be “the eye of the most beautiful church in the world”. The church can be visited without paying any ticket, unless you are a group of 7 or more people or you want a guide. In those cases, you should book you visit online, paying 2€ per person. From the last Sunday of March to the last Saturday of October, the basilica is open from 9 am to 5.30 pm (Lower Church) and from 9 am to 6 pm (Upper Church). The last entry to the lower church is allowed at 5 pm. From the last Sunday of October to the last Saturday of March, the opening time is 9-5.30, the last entry to the Church is at 4:30 pm. Remember: it is not possible to visit the basilica on Sundays and public holidays.
The square is the secular heart of Assisi, where you can find all the most important symbols of the civil power: the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the Palazzo dei Priori and the Torre del Popolo. Furthermore, in the same square you can admire the ancient Roman Tempio di Minerva, built in the 1st century B.C. by will of two of the city’s quattuorviri, Gnaeus Caesius and Titus Caesius Priscus. The original façade has been preserved, with six Corinthian columns supporting the architrave and a small pediment. This temple could be considered as one of the symbols of the civil and religious life of Assisi: originally built as a religious building, subsequently it hosted a court with relative prison, and finally it was converted into a Christian church (the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva).
In the 13th century, Saint Francis of Assisi came here many times to pray and contemplate, as did other hermits before him. The Eremo, surrounded by mountains, is located 4km away from the center of Assisi. At the entrace, you will find a statue of St. Francis welcomes visitors. Although it is a religious site, there is no pressure of solemnity and the atmosphere is very calm. You can enjoy walking through the forest (there are many natural caves there) and try to imagine how many persons visited this place of meditation over the last centuries. The Eremo can be reached by taxy or, if you are brave enough and the day is not too hot, by walk. Food and drink
As every touristic location, Assisi is full of small restaurants with touristic menu. For lunch, you might try Enoteca San Pietro (Via Borgo San Pietro, 18/B). Here you can tease your appetite with a menu including hand-made pasta and typical salumi for just 12.90€. You will find also nice pasta dishes (around 9€) and tasty main dishes typical of this region (10€). At the same price, you can also enjoy a typical Umbrian lunch at the Ristorante San Francesco di Assisi (Via Patrono d’Italia 22/A). This is a well-known restaurant in Assisi that offers a touristic menu with many choices: tagliatelle norcina, cheese gnocchi, pasta with tomato and sausages sauce… Good quality, nice atmosphere and very convenient price: the fixed menu costs just 12€!
In the historical centre of Assisi, try a lovely little café called Pasticceria Santa Monica (Via Portica 4/A). The gelato is delicious, as well as the pastries and the other sweets (try the meringhe)! We are sure, it will be love at first bite! Transportation
The closest destination is Perugia Airport. The connection between the Airport of Perugia and the the centre of Assisi is secured by the bus company Umbria Mobilità (bus line E007. One way tickets cost around 3€. You can buy the tickets at the bar of the Airport, or on board (but they will cost 4€). I you are a group of 3 or 4 persons, you might decide to take a taxi. A taxi from the airport to the historic centre of Assisi will cost around 30€. For more information look at the website.
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