Assisi

<< Umbria

Assisi is a town located among the hills east of Perugia, known for being the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi. Founded by the Umbri and later inhabited by the the Romans, it was for centuries one of the main centers in the region. During the Middle Ages it was a free comune and was then ruled by Perugia and later the Papal States, before becoming part of Italy. Assisi is now a popular tourist destination, thanks to its religious sites and historic attractions.

✪ Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (Basilica di San Francesco) is a large religious complex and the mother church of the monastic order of the Franciscans. The complex was erected in the 13th century, soon after the death of Saint Francis, and features two churches, a crypt, and a convent. The Upper Basilica (Basilica Superiore) is one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy and hosts a large cycle of 13th-century frescoes, painted by some of the greatest artists of the time, such as Cimabue and Giotto. These frescoes have been damaged by an earthquake in 1997, but have since been restored. The Lower Basilica (Basilica Inferiore) also features frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and other artists, regarded among the best works of the Italian art of the Late Middle Ages. The crypt hosts the monumental tomb of Saint Francis and can be accessed from the Lower Basilica. A large monastery known as Sacro Convento surrounds the basilica, and houses various decorations and artworks.

✪ Assisi Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Rufino (Cattedrale di San Rufino)

The Assisi Cathedral (Cattedrale di Assisi) is a historic church founded in the 12th century and erected in Romanesque style. The facade of the church is adorned with a large rose window and various reliefs. The interior was reworked in Renaissance and Baroque style, and it houses numerous artworks and decorations. The church also hosts the baptismal font where Saint Francis and Saint Clare were baptised. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum (Museo Diocesano), a museum of religious art that also includes the crypt of the church, which houses a Roman sarcophagus dating from the 3rd century.

✪ Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli) is a large church located in Santa Maria degli Angeli, near Assisi. The church was erected in Mannerist and Baroque style between the 16th and 17th century to house the Porziuncola, a chapel where Saint Francis of Assisi used to pray, regarded as the place where the saint founded the Franciscan order. This chapel probably originated in the Early Middle Ages and has been restored various times, and now it features a large 19th-century fresco above its entrance. The basilica houses various other artworks and decorations, and hosts a museum of religious art.

Temple of Minerva

Also known of: Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva

The Temple of Minerva (Tempio di Minerva) is a Roman temple built in the 1st century BCE in Assisi. In the 16th and 17th century the structure was reworked and transformed into a Baroque church, known as Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The building still preserves its ancient facade with six tall Corinthian columns and a pediment. The church is flanked by the medieval Torre del Popolo and faces Piazza del Comune.

Piazza del Comune

Piazza del Comune is the main square of Assisi, surrounded by historic buildings and located on the site of the ancient Roman forum. While the northern side hosts the Temple of Minerva and the Torre del Popolo, the medieval Palazzo dei Priori is on the southern side, and serves as town hall. Also facing the square is an archaeological museum that provides access to the ruins of the Roman forum of Assisi.

Chiesa Nuova

The Chiesa Nuova (“New Church”) is a 17th-century church in the center of Assisi, built on the supposed birthplace of Saint Francis. The church features a large dome, various Baroque decorations, and richly frescoed interiors.

Basilica of Santa Chiara

The Basilica of Santa Chiara is a historic church in Assisi dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, a follower of Saint Francis and founder of the Poor Clares monastic order. The church was built in Gothic style in the 13th century and houses the relics and the remains of the saint. The basilica also features various frescoes and artworks from the Late Middle Ages.

Church of San Pietro

The Church of San Pietro is a church and abbey founded in Assisi in the 10th century. Later reworked various times, the church features Romanesque and Gothic decorations, along with some artworks and a small museum.

Rocca Maggiore

Rocca Maggiore is large fortress located on a hill overlooking Assisi. Built during the Late Middle Ages, the structure is still well preserved and features imposing walls and towers. The castle is connected to another nearby fortification known as Rocca Minore and the series of defensive walls that still surround part of Assisi.

Church of San Damiano

The Church of San Damiano is a church and monastery located just south of Assisi. The complex was founded in the 11th century and it was the place where Saint Francis of Assisi had a vision of God and composed his famous Canticle of the Sun (Cantico delle Creature). This church later became part of a convent of the Poor Clares monastic order, and it houses some frescoes and artworks.

Eremo delle Carceri

The Eremo delle Carceri is a historic hermitage located on the slopes of Monte Subasio near Assisi. Founded during the Middle Ages, it was often visited by Saint Francis of Assisi, who used to come here to pray. Over the centuries, the complex was expanded with the addition of various other buildings.