How to use the guide?

It’s really easy!

The itinerary I have created is set up so that you have a practical route to explore the city! Before each attraction you will find buttons like the one below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Example !

Just press over the button and you will be guided with google maps to the next point! Once you reach your destination you can come back to this guide and read or listen to all the information and trivia!

In the next paragraph I will also leave you with a map of the entire route but you won’t need it to explore the city!

If you want to see a demo of how to use the guide, click on the button below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Show me a demo!
What to do in Assisi in a day?

Assisi is a small hilltop town famous throughout Italy as the birthplace of Saint Francis, one of the main figures in the Catholic Church.

This place is full of wonderful works of art created over the centuries by the most important Italian artists such as Giotto, Cimabue and Simone Martini.

To create this guide I received the help of Arianna, a friend of mine originally from Umbria. Thanks to her I had the opportunity to discover some really interesting places and I can’t wait to tell you about them😉

The tour I am proposing today is about 3 km long and starts at the church of Santa Chiara (click here to get there)!

Ps: if you need anything, feel free to contact me on Whatsapp by clicking here!

And now… let’s go!

The tour!

Map Preview & How to use it

Let me show you the preview of our route! By scrolling the guide you will find buttons to click that will always take you to the next attraction/monument (so this map is just to give you an idea about the itinerary, no need to use it now🤓)!

The yellow markers are the monuments and attractions we will see.

The brown markers are some extras not included in our tour but which you can visit if you have time left.

The red indicators, on the other hand, are some of my favorite restaurants (I tell you more about them at the end)!

I would say we are ready to get started!

Introduction & History of the city

History, art and culture: for these very reasons Assisi has been included among the UNESCO heritage sites.

With about 27,000 inhabitants, Assisi is a renowned pilgrimage destination! It was here that Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order, one of the most famous religious orders in the world, lived!

 

Before starting our journey to discover the beauties of Assisi, here is a little history of the city!

The origins of Assisi date back to pre-Roman times, when it was inhabited by the Umbrians, an ancient Italic people. Later, in the 4th century BC, it was conquered by the Etruscans and finally by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. During the Roman period, Assisi was known as Asisium and became a prosperous colony.

 

 

The Middle Ages

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Assisi suffered several barbarian invasions and came under the control of the Goths, Lombards and Franks. During the Middle Ages, the city developed as a free municipality, acquiring autonomy and economic importance.

Saint Francis and the 13th Century

 

 

The most significant moment in the history of Assisi was the time of Saint Francis, the 13th century. Born as Francis of Pietro di Bernardone, the son of a wealthy merchant, he renounced wealth to live in poverty and founded the Franciscan Order, preaching a message of peace, simplicity and love for nature. Francis was canonized in 1228 and in the same year began the construction of the Basilica of Saint Francis, which became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.

Renaissance and Modern Period

During the Renaissance, Assisi experienced a period of relative tranquility under the rule of the Papal States. During this period, numerous churches and palaces were built and decorated. The city maintained its spiritual and cultural importance.

During the 19th century, with the unification of Italy, Assisi became part of the new Italian state.

Information regarding the origin of the name of the city of Assisi is uncertain, however historians have hypothesized that it could derive from the Latin word Asisium, meaning “city of the falcon” or “city of the goshawk”, a particular type of bird of prey.

This theory is therefore linked to the Roman colonization of the territory which took place in the 3rd century BC. Another theory links the name to the Latin term ossa, which means “stream”. In this case, the origin of the name would be linked to the proximity of the Assino river.

Let’s start our visit to the city of Assisi from the Basilica of Santa Chiara!

let's go to the basilica 🇮🇹 !

A. Basilica of Santa Chiara

Before starting the visit to the church, it is a good idea to give a brief introduction to Saint Francis and Saint Clare.

Saint Francis of Assisi was a religious man and founder of the Franciscan Order who lived in the 12th century. Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in Assisi, Umbria, he chose a life of poverty and total dedication to God after an experience of spiritual conversion. He renounced material goods and preached values such as humility, love for others and respect for nature, considering it a reflection of the Creator.

When Francis performs the symbolic gesture of dispossession in the square, that is, the renunciation of his material goods, Chiara is still a child. Chiara comes from a noble family but Francis’ gesture affects her deeply.

On Palm Sunday in 1211, Clare found the courage to leave everything to follow Francis. Clare, despite her father’s disapproval and his attempts to bring her back home, became the founder of a major women’s movement, the Poor Clares, whose influence extends to the present day. She wrote the Rule of the order, obtaining the “privilege of poverty” from Pope Gregory IX and, shortly before her death on August 9, 1253, the definitive approval of Pope Innocent IV.

What was this “rule” and this “privilege”? The first establishes the fundamental principles for the Poor Clares. It is deeply inspired by the Rule of Saint Francis and promotes:

  • Radical poverty: The nuns own no property, either personally or as a community, living on alms and gifts.
  • Prayer and cloister: They dedicate their lives to prayer, silence and contemplation, remaining inside the monastery.
  • Obedience and Humility: They must follow the Mother Superior and live in humility and mutual charity.

The Privilege of Poverty granted the Poor Clares the right to live without owning property, preventing them from being forced to own property, as was often required of religious orders for reasons of economic security. This allowed Clare and her sisters to maintain a lifestyle consistent with Francis’ ideals: living in total dependence on Providence.

This privilege was a unique and revolutionary act for the time, underlining the importance of absolute poverty as an act of faith.

The Basilica of Santa Chiara was built on the opposite hill to the Basilica of San Francesco. The two basilicas, with facades inspired by the Romanesque model, seem to dialogue through their simplicity. Both have a triangular tympanum and a central rose window that symbolizes a spiritual embrace towards the pilgrims who pass through the streets of Assisi.

The church was built between 1257 and 1265, the façade, characterised by strips of pink and white stone from Subasio, is enriched by flying buttresses added in the fourteenth century to support the structure.

Before the construction of the Basilica, the church of San Giorgio stood on the site. When Saint Clare died, her remains were preserved inside the church of San Giorgio, which dates back to the 11th century and is also known for having hosted, between 1226 and 1230, the burial of Francis.

The former church of San Giorgio was later integrated into the current church as a side chapel decorated with frescoes by Puccio Capanna and the pupils of Giotto and Lorenzetti.

On one side of the chapel, some objects of the Saint and Saint Francis are also displayed.

The Crucifix of San Damiano is preserved here, the same one that, according to tradition, spoke to Francis, inspiring him to a life of poverty, obedience and mercy.

The interior of the church is in Gothic style. The main altar is surmounted by a Crucifix made by the Master of Santa Chiara and dating back to the 13th century, which instead represents a Christus Patiens, marked by suffering and death. This is the oldest work in the entire basilica.

Above the altar we find some frescoes that celebrate the theme of virginity through episodes from the life of Saint Clare and the holy virgins.

The relics of the Saint are preserved in the crypt located under the main altar.

The crucifix of San Damiano, dating back to the 11th century, depicts the living Christ, standing and with open eyes, an emblem of victory over death.

 

 

In 1205, the young Francis, in a spiritual crisis, went to the small church of San Damiano, then semi-abandoned. While praying before the Byzantine wooden crucifix, he distinctly heard a voice coming from Christ who said to him:
“Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is all in ruins.”

Francis took the words literally and began to physically repair the church of San Damiano and other ruined churches, working with his hands and using his father’s money, which led to a rift with the family.

Over time, Francis understood that the “house” to be repaired was the Church as a community of faith, calling it to poverty, humility and evangelical love.

 

Saint Clare of Assisi was proclaimed patron saint of television and telecommunications by Pope Pius XII in 1958, for an extraordinary event related to her life. According to tradition, while she was seriously ill and unable to attend Christmas Mass in the church of San Francesco, she had a miraculous vision: the Eucharistic celebration appeared to her as in a “film”, which she was able to follow as if she were physically present.

This episode, interpreted as a sort of “remote” transmission, inspired its association with modern means of communication, especially television, which allows us to experience events even without being present on site.

 

The miracle of the host of Saint Clare occurred when the Saracens, in the service of Frederick II, besieged the monastery of San Damiano. Saint Clare, already ill, had herself brought before the tabernacle with the Eucharist and, showing the monstrance to the enemies, prayed with faith. Suddenly, the Saracens retreated, frightened by an invisible force. This episode underlines the profound faith and courage of the Saint, becoming a symbol of the spiritual power of the Eucharist.

 

 

The visit to the basilica is free. The basilica is open every day from 6:30 to 12 and from 14 to 18.

Now let’s move to the Diocesan Museum!

to the museum 🇮🇹 !

B. Diocesan Museum and Crypt of San Rufino

The Diocesan Museum and Crypt of San Rufino is located in Assisi, next to the Cathedral of San Rufino, and is a space rich in history and sacred art. The museum is housed in medieval rooms, including decorated rooms and ancient cloisters. Inside, sacred works of art from the cathedral and churches in the area are exhibited. Reliquaries, highly valuable liturgical objects in gold and silver, paintings and sculptures by Umbrian and Italian artists are exhibited here, many dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. There are also illuminated manuscripts and historical documents related to the religious life of Assisi.

The Crypt of San Rufino is part of the Diocesan Museum.

Crypt of San Rufino

 

 

The crypt, located under the cathedral, preserves the remains of the primitive early Christian basilica dedicated to San Rufino. Here there are several Roman archaeological remains, including fragments of columns, inscriptions and worked stones, which testify to the presence of a pre-existing building, perhaps a pagan temple.

There are also some artifacts from the early early Christian church, such as the perimeter walls and some floor mosaics.

 

 

The crypt houses the Roman sarcophagus, dating back to the beginning of the 3rd century AD, decorated with the Myth of Selene and Endymion, which originally housed the body of the saint.

On the back of the sarcophagus, in 1556, the artist Raffaello Coda painted the effigy of San Rufino, making the sarcophagus not only a funerary element, but also an important object of veneration.

 

 

The representation of the myth of Selene and Endymion, very widespread in Roman art, symbolizes eternity and the beauty of eternal sleep, a theme that is linked to the funerary function of the sarcophagus.

According to the tradition narrated in the sermon of Saint Peter Damian, the transfer of the sarcophagus that had contained the body of Saint Rufino to the new basilica was accompanied by numerous miracles that testified to the sacredness of the saint. During the transport of the sarcophagus, it is said that several pilgrims and faithful, who had participated in the ceremony or who were near the place, were miraculously healed from illnesses and infirmities. These healings were interpreted as signs of the powerful intercession of Saint Rufino with God.

Furthermore, numerous prodigious manifestations were associated with the transfer, including visions and extraordinary phenomena related to light, which were considered as omens of the divine presence. Some stories also speak of a miraculous protection granted to the city of Assisi during the transport of the sarcophagus, which would have avoided natural disasters and the dangers of imminent wars.

The complex is open from Monday to Friday from 10 to 13 and from 14 to 17, on Saturday from 10 to 17 and on Sunday from 11 to 17. On Wednesday it is closed. The ticket costs €4.

We continue our tour until we reach the New Church of San Francesco Convertito!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

C. New Church of San Francesco Convertito

The Sanctuary is located in the place traditionally identified as the birthplace of Saint Francis. In 1615, the Friars Minor, thanks to the financial support of Philip III, King of Spain, transformed this space into a church, starting community life and liturgical celebrations.

 

 

The church is dedicated to the conversion of Saint Francis. Inside is the “prison” where, according to tradition, Pietro di Bernardone, father of Saint Francis, locked up his son after he sold fabrics in Foligno to finance the repair of the church of San Damiano.

 

 

The church has a Greek cross plan and is surmounted by a frescoed dome.

 

 

Outside the church, walking along a narrow street on the left side of the small square in front of the Sanctuary, you reach the access to the external part of the paternal home of San Francesco. In this area there is also the warehouse, used by Pietro di Bernardone as a warehouse and shop for the sale of fine fabrics.

 

 

In the small square in front of the church, two statues by the sculptor Joppolo have been placed, depicting the parents of Saint Francis. Every year, on the second Sunday of September, the “Family Feast of Francis” is celebrated in this place.

 

 

The adjoining convent houses a prestigious Historical-Franciscan Library, which preserves precious manuscripts, including illuminated codices, papal bulls and chronicles, together with incunabula and sixteenth-century books.

 

The church is open every day from 8am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 7.15pm.

Let’s continue our tour and reach the Rocca di Assisi!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

D. Rocca di Assisi

The Rocca di Assisi is a fortified complex formed by two main structures: the Rocca Maggiore and the Rocca Minore, also known as Cassero di Sant’Antonio. Both are made with the typical pink stone of Assisi.

 

 

The first historical evidence dates back to around 1173. Subsequently, the Rocca was chosen as a temporary residence for the young Frederick II of Swabia, future emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, son of Constance of Hauteville, under the protection of the Duke of Spoleto. However, in 1198, a popular revolt forced the duke and the little Frederick, then only four years old, to abandon the fortification, which suffered extensive damage. Around 1360, Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, sent by Pope Innocent VI to strengthen the territories of the Papal State, ordered the reconstruction of the Rocca.

 

 

The Rocca Maggiore was rebuilt in a dominant position above the city of Assisi, with a strategic view of the Tescio river valley, while the Rocca Minore was built to guard the slope of Mount Subasio. Cardinal Albornoz also ordered the construction of a wall to connect the two fortresses, creating a single defensive system that merges with the Porta dei Cappuccini district.

Over time, the Rocca Maggiore underwent several expansion projects. The Rocca became a popular target for leaders and mercenaries, including Niccolò Piccinino, who attacked Assisi in 1442. The chronicles tell that, struck by the beauty of the city, Piccinino refused to destroy it, despite a generous offer from the Municipality of Perugia.

From the 16th century, the fortress gradually lost its military importance, becoming first a residence for the city rulers and subsequently an administrative building, also housing a prison.

The Rocca Maggiore has several towers, bastions, mighty walls and secret passages typical of medieval fortifications, some of which connect the fortress to the city.

 

 

Instead, the Rocca Minore, smaller and less known, is located a short distance from the Rocca Maggiore. It was probably built in the 13th century to further strengthen the city’s defensive syste

The pink stone of Assisi is a characteristic material used for the construction of many buildings and monuments of the Umbrian city, including the Basilica of San Francesco, the Rocca Maggiore and numerous churches and historic buildings. The pink stone of Assisi comes from Mount Subasio, a limestone mountain located near the city. It is a variety of compact limestone, with shades that vary from white to pink, depending on the quantity of minerals present and the extraction conditions.

 

 

The use of pink stone dates back to Roman times and intensified in the Middle Ages, when Assisi experienced a period of great building fervor. It was used not only for the construction of religious buildings, but also for defensive walls, private homes and flooring. Its resistance to atmospheric agents has allowed many of these buildings to be preserved to this day.

The pink stone has become a symbol of Assisi, recalling the bond between the city and the surrounding nature. Its brightness and ability to reflect natural light contribute to creating the unique atmosphere of Assisi.

There are many legends associated with this stone. According to one of them, Saint Francis, during his walks on Mount Subasio, blessed the quarries from which the pink stone was extracted. It is said that the particular color of the stone is the reflection of his love for nature and his divine vision of beauty. For this reason, many believe that the stone has an aura of peace and serenity that contributes to the spiritual character of Assisi.

Another ancient tradition tells that during a celestial battle between good and rebellious angels, some drops of the angels’ blood fell on Mount Subasio, penetrating its rocks and dyeing them pink. This event would have transformed the stone, making it unique and charged with an intrinsic sacredness.



The ticket to visit the fortress costs €6. The fortress is open in the months of March and October from 10 am to 6 pm, in the months of April, May and September from 10 am to 7 pm, from June to August from 10 am to 8 pm, while from November to February from 10 am to 5 pm.

There is a cumulative ticket that allows you to visit the Pinacoteca, the Roman Forum and the Rocca Maggiore for only €12. Here is the site where you can buy it.

Now let’s move to the Town Hall Square!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

E. Town Hall Square

The Town Hall Square in Assisi has historically been the beating heart of the city’s social and cultural life.

 

 

All the main roads leading from the city gates converge in this square. The square was built on an ancient Roman Forum used as a public space and center of political and social activities. In the Middle Ages, the main public buildings arose, such as the Temple of Minerva, the first seat of the Municipality of Assisi, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the Torre del Popolo.

The square continued to evolve during the Renaissance, with the addition of buildings such as the Palazzo Bonacquisti and the Fountain of the Three Lions.

In this square a very famous popular festival takes place every year: the Calendimaggio.

In the Piazza del Comune stands the Fountain of the Three Lions which dates back to 1303 and symbolizes the three districts of the city, or rather the three main districts into which the city was divided in medieval times.

 

 

This medieval fountain served not only as an urban decoration, but also as a meeting point and water supply for the population.

The fountain is composed of a lower basin with a nine-sided shape, above which there is a second circular basin supported by a baluster. The peculiarity of this fountain are the three stone lions, hence the name, which symbolize the three historical districts of Assisi: the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra, the Magnifica Parte de Sotto and the Parte di Porta San Francesco. The lions, located on the sides of the fountain, are positioned in such a way that a flow of water comes out of their mouths.

The fountain was rebuilt in 1467 and 1772, and is still one of the meeting points for citizens. The lower basin, divided into nine sides, supports a second circular basin, which bears a pine cone as a symbol of fertility and abundance.

The Municipal Palaces of Assisi are an architectural complex made up of four buildings, progressively joined between the 13th and 15th centuries. Among these, the Palazzo dei Priori stands out, located in the heart of the city. Its construction began in 1275, when the Municipality purchased some homes to build the structure.

 

 

The palace was completed in 1295. The upper floor was intended for the office of the five Priors, who, together with the Podestà and the Capitano del Popolo, administered the city. These figures in fact represented the city government of Assisi during the Medieval period.

On the ground floor, however, there were shops rented to businesses such as grocers, butchers and barbers, a custom that probably continued until 1926. In 1860, the building underwent a restoration project that redefined its internal spaces, transforming it into the seat of the municipal administration.

 

 

The interior rooms of the palace are embellished with decorations of great artistic value. The Hall of Coats of Arms presents works by Alessandro Venanzi, who painted suggestive views of villas and castles of Assisi on the walls.

The palace is opened to the public only on the occasion of temporary exhibitions or events, being a municipal building.

The Temple of Minerva is located in the Piazza del Comune and is recognizable by its six perfectly preserved Corinthian columns. This temple, originally dedicated to the Roman goddess Minerva, is now used as the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a sign of the continuity between pagan and Christian worship.

 

 

According to some legends, the temple had been erected eight centuries before the founding of Rome by the legendary Dardanus, an Etruscan and Greek mythological figure.

Despite this, many scholars claim that this temple was built during the Roman era, probably around the first century AD, and was initially dedicated to Hercules, as attested by a votive plaque found later. However, its dedication to the goddess Minerva derives from a medieval discovery of a female statue, which led citizens to connect the place with the deity of wisdom.

With the end of the pagan cult, the temple was abandoned for centuries, only to be recovered by the Benedictine monks in the 6th century AD. The monks divided the building into two parts, creating the Church of San Donato and other rooms. In 1212, the monks granted a part of the temple to the Municipality of Assisi, which moved its offices there. The temple also became the seat of the Civic Court, while the church was used as a prison. Only in 1539, Pope Paul III ordered the restoration and dedication of the temple to the Madonna, from that moment this place was called the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

 

 

The exterior of the church still features the 6 Corinthian columns of the temple of Minerva, this place is considered one of the best preserved Roman temples in Italy.

 

 

The interior of the church is in Baroque style, characterised by the high altar and various gold decorations and frescoes.

Admission is free and the church is open every day from 8am to 8pm.

Now let’s move to the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

F. Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo It is located in the main square of Assisi, next to the Torre del Popolo which I will tell you about later.

 

 

Built at the end of the 13th century, the palace was designed as the seat of the Capitano del Popolo, a figure who represented the power of the Municipality of Assisi. The Capitano was responsible for maintaining order and administering justice, a central role in the medieval politics of the city.

The palace was completed in 1282 under the direction of the Capitano del Popolo Guidone de’ Rossi from Florence, who had a commemorative plaque placed on the external wall and had his coat of arms built in next to two shields with the cross, symbol of the Municipality. In 1442, due to the attack on the city perpetrated by Niccolò Piccino, the palace suffered serious damage, but was later restored in the 16th century, when it became the seat of public schools.

The building is constructed of white limestone from Mount Subasio and is composed of three floors, with four large arched portals that originally housed shops and salt warehouses. The facade is decorated with various coats of arms of Podestà.

The Torre del Popolo is an imposing rectangular structure located next to the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, a few steps from the Temple of Minerva. With a height of 47 meters, it was built starting in 1257.

 

 

Originally intended for the office of the Capitano del Popolo, who governed the city from 1267, the tower was completed in 1305, as attested by the plaque to the left of the portal, which bears the name of Cabrino da Parma, the Captain in office at the time. During the construction phases, the tower also became an important subject for various frescoes depicting Assisi, consolidating its symbolic role.

 

 

At the base of the tower there is a plaque listing the official measurements used in the city in the fourteenth century, with references to the dimensions of the roof tiles, flat tiles and bricks produced in Assisi.

 

 

The bell, made on the occasion of the seventh centenary of the death of Saint Francis, is decorated with an engraving of the Canticle of the Creatures of Saint Francis and was sculpted by the sculptor Luigi Pettinari of Tolentino. A small photographic exhibition, set up in the room adjacent to the bell chamber, illustrates the construction of the bell, the difficulties faced by the citizens in hoisting it and the celebrations that marked its inauguration.

Next to these are three iron bars, used to establish the lengths of the cane, the step and the palm, the main units of measurement for cloth during trade.

The first work in the Italian vernacular is considered to be the “Canticle of the Creatures”, also known as the “Canticle of Brother Sun”, composed by Saint Francis of Assisi around 1224. It is a poetic hymn written in an Umbrian vernacular of great simplicity and beauty, and represents one of the first significant examples of Italian literature.

 

 

The Canticle celebrates the beauty of creation and praises God through the elements of nature, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, the wind, water, fire and earth. It is also a spiritual text of profound religious and cultural value, which had a great impact on the birth of Italian poetry.

It is one of the first works written in a language understandable to the people, instead of Latin, which was the official language of culture and the Church. This makes it a fundamental step towards the birth of Italian literature and towards the use of the vernacular as a literary language.



The palace can only be visited for specific events, however it is possible to visit the Torre del Popolo.
The ticket to visit the Tower costs €6. Here is the site where you can buy your tickets in advance.

The tower is open daily from 10am to 4.20pm.

 

Giotto ‘s representation of the Piazza del Comune in the frescoes dedicated to San Francesco, where an episode that takes place in this very square is immortalized. This is one of the first representations of an urban landscape, used not only as a background but as an integral part of the narrative.

Every year, in the month of May, the Piazza del Comune hosts the Calendimaggio, a festival that has its roots in the past centuries. The dispute between the two parts of the city, La Nobilissima Parte De Sopra and La Magnifica Parte de Sotto, is still today the heart of the festival, which celebrates the tradition and history of Assisi.

 

 

The Calendimaggio of Assisi has ancient origins, probably dating back to the medieval period, and is linked to traditions that celebrate the return of spring. The name itself derives from the combination of the words “calende” (i.e. the beginning of the month) and “maggio” (the month of May), indicating the festival that marks the arrival of the spring season.

Historically, Calendimaggio is a celebration that has its roots in celebrations of the renewal of nature, typical of pagan cultures, which marked the awakening of the earth after winter. These celebrations were often linked to rites of fertility and abundance, such as those celebrated during the Calends of May in ancient Rome, in which deities linked to nature and prosperity were honored.

 

 

Over time, the Calendimaggio of Assisi has taken on a more historical and civic connotation, becoming a celebration in which the city relives its medieval traditions and the rivalry between the two main factions: the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto.

During the days of the festival, the alleys of Assisi are transformed, bringing back to light the medieval atmosphere with songs, music, jousts and traditional clothes.

The two factions face each other to win the Palio, through parades, historical reenactments, games, challenges and singing performances, all wearing medieval costumes and animating the most evocative places of Assisi.

The winning party is chosen by a jury, which changes every year, composed of experts in history, music and entertainment. The final result, which is not subject to appeal, marks the end of the festival.

Calendimaggio has also been nominated to enter the UNESCO List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

 

A curiosity related to the measurement of time. Do you know what happened between October 4 and 15, 1582? Absolutely nothing because these days…. Do not exist!

Let me explain further. In Julius Caesar’s time it was calculated that the Earth took 365 days and 6 hours to revolve around the Sun (yes, back in the day, many astronomers had already guessed: it was the Earth revolving around the Sun and not the other way around! I will not elaborate on this topic or we will be here for hours!). It was a very accurate calculation for the times but not perfect: the true duration is in fact 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds.

So the Julian calendar was created made from 365 days with the addition of one day every 4 years for leap year.

In 325 we had the “Council of Nicaea” a revolutionary moment for the Catholic Church. At that time, there were already existing “fixed feasts” such as Christmas but also “movable” feasts such as Easter. This is celebrated on the first full moon Sunday after the spring equinox which, in 325, coincided with March 21.

As the centuries passed, however, it was realized that the spring equinox no longer fell on March 21! The 11 minutes and 15 seconds of actual difference in fact had led to a major deviation until Pope Gregory XIII decided to intervene since the gap was now ten days.

In fact, in 1582, to correct this “miscalculation,” they went directly from October 4 to October 15 by directly eliminating these days!

 The Gregorian calendar was then instituted in which, after complicated calculations, it was decided that every 100 years the leap year would be a normal year (1700, 1800, 1900 were not leap years while 2000 was and the series would repeat itself in the same way in the next 400 years)!

Think what a misfortune to celebrate the birthday in those days erased from history 😬 !

Now let’s move to the Ancient Roman Forum of Assisi!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

G. Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum of Assisi

The archaeological area of the Roman Forum of the ancient city of Asisium is located under the current Piazza del Comune and was discovered thanks to excavations conducted by a French architect in the first half of the 19th century.

Today, it is possible to visit it by accessing the crypt of the former Church of San Niccolò, located in Via Portica.

 

 

The crypt is a small rectangular space, covered by cross vaults and supported by Roman columns recovered from other buildings. Inside are exhibited various stone finds, including urns, sarcophagi and steles, from Assisi and the surrounding areas, together with graphic reproductions of the ancient square.

 

 

In the museum you can see a section of the travertine block terrace wall that supports the Temple of Minerva, the remains of the Tribunal, a stone monument that housed the chairs of the local magistrates and also representations of how the square probably looked in ancient times. Continuing along a short circular corridor, you can find the remains of a small temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux.

 

 

Also visible are the Tabernae, commercial environments typical of ancient Rome.

 

 

In this area there are also some giant Roman frescoes from structures found underground in the city. The tour ends in the last room of the museum, where statues dating back to the Roman era are exhibited.

There is a cumulative ticket that allows you to visit the Pinacoteca, the Roman Forum and the Rocca Maggiore for only €12. Here is the site where you can buy it.

ATTENTION: The site is in Italian.

Eventually the ticket to visit only the forum costs 5€.

The Roman Forum is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

Beginning in 1943, many Jews found refuge in cloistered female monasteries in Assisi. In the city of St. Francis, an effective clandestine network allowed many to escape persecution. This secret organization was led by Bishop Monsignor Giuseppe Placido Nicolini and Don Aldo Brunacci, a young priest. The female monasteries proved to be ideal places to offer protection, guaranteeing safety to the Jews in hiding. Among the various monasteries involved were those of the Poor Clares, the German Capuchin Sisters, the Stigmatines, and the Benedictines of St. Apollinare.

On July 16, 1228, Francis was proclaimed a saint by Pope Gregory IX.

Saint Francis of Assisi was proclaimed patron saint of Italy on June 18, 1939 by Pope Pius XII for his deep spiritual and cultural bond with the country. Francis is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, love for others and respect for nature, values that embody Italian identity and spirituality.

Now we move from the center of Assisi to visit the Oratory of Pellegrini!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

H. Oratory of the Pellegrini

 This place was built in 1457 by order of the brotherhood of Sant’Antonio Abate and San Giacomo, it was created to allow pilgrims hosted in the nearby hospital to participate in religious functions. The interior has a square plan, with a cross vault and frescoed walls.

 

 

The paintings, dating back to 1477, are the work of Matteo da Gualdo and Pierantonio Mezzastris, originally from Foligno.

 

 

Matteo da Gualdo decorated the façade with the image of Christ enthroned, surrounded by angels and saints, including Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint James in the lower register, and Saint Christopher next to the entrance door. The artist also painted the altar wall where, in the center, you can see the Virgin holding the blessing Child in her arms, seated on a throne and surrounded by angels. On the sides appear Saint James the Apostle and Saint Anthony the Abbot, and at the top the scene of the Annunciation.

Pierantonio Mezzastris, instead, frescoed the left wall with the Miracles of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the right wall with the Miracles of Saint James, and the vault with the image of the Doctors of the Church.

Among the frescoes in the chapel there is also the “Great Miracle of the Pilgrim of Saint James” created by Matteo da Gualdo.

The “Great Miracle of the Pilgrim of St. James” is one of the best-known and most recounted episodes in the stories of pilgrims, which has had a wide diffusion in Europe, especially through religious theatrical performances and popular ballads.

The story tells of a failed attempt by an innkeeper’s daughter to seduce a young pilgrim who, along with his family, was traveling to Santiago de Compostela. To take revenge for his refusal, the young woman secretly hid a silver cup in the boy’s saddlebag, so that it would later be found and he would then be unjustly accused of stealing. The young pilgrim was arrested and sentenced to death by hanging. When they returned from their pilgrimage, his parents found their son’s body still hanging from the gallows and wept over him, convinced that he was dead. However, the boy reassured them, revealing that he was alive and that Saint James was protecting him. The parents immediately ran to the judge to inform him, but he, busy with a banquet, refused to believe their story, claiming that the condemned man was dead, just like the roosters that would soon be served at the table. Just then, the roosters came to life and crowded vigorously, and the young man was finally freed and reunited with his parents.

Admission is free and it is accessible every day from 2:30 pm to 6 pm.

We continue our tour until we reach the Pinacoteca Comunale Palazzo Vallemani!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

I. Pinacoteca Comunale Palazzo Vallemani

The Pinacoteca Comunale di Assisi is a museum that houses a rich collection of works of art, mainly from the medieval and Renaissance periods, from the area of Assisi and its surroundings. The museum is housed inside the Palazzo Vallemani, a historic building dating back to the 13th century that has been restored to become a museum.

 

 

Among the most important works stand out:

  • Giotto’s fresco cycle: Coming from the lower basilica of San Francesco, they represent one of the most significant examples of Giotto’s art.
  • Works by Pietro Lorenzetti: Sienese painter active in the 14th century, whose art profoundly influenced the development of painting in Umbria.
  • Paintings by Simone Martini: Another great Sienese master who left his mark on medieval Italian art.

As I already mentioned, there is a cumulative ticket that allows you to visit the Pinacoteca, the Roman Forum and the Rocca Maggiore for just €12. Here is the site where you can buy it.

Alternatively, a single ticket costs €3.

The art gallery is open from April to October from 10 am to 6 pm, from November 2 to December 24 only on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm, while from Monday to Friday only by reservation, from December 26 to January 6 it is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, from January 7 to February 28 it is open only by reservation, while during the month of March it is open only on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm, while from Monday to Friday only by reservation.

We complete our tour with one of the most important places in the city: the Basilica of Saint Francis!

let's go to the church 🇮🇹 !

J. Basilica of Saint Francis

When Saint Francis died in 1226, it was immediately decided to build a basilica in his honor to contain his relics. Thus, on July 15, 1228, Pope Gregory IX, a friend of Saint Francis, proclaimed him a saint and, on the same day, laid the first stone of the basilica, which would be built on a hill near Assisi, towards the north.

In just seven years, in 1235, the basilica, composed of two superimposed churches and a large bell tower, was practically completed, maintaining the shape that we still see today.

In the Middle Ages, the hill on which the basilica stands was known as the Hill of Hell, because those condemned to death were buried there. However, with the laying of the first stone of the Basilica, the hill was renamed the Hill of Paradise.

The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is divided into two main sections, which are the Lower Basilica and the Upper Basilica, separated by a large wall that defines the distinction.

Lower Basilica

The Lower Basilica is the oldest part of the basilica, built to welcome pilgrims and guard the remains of St. Francis. It has a single nave, with frescoed ceilings and a soft light, created by the lack of openings for natural light.

The crypt of San Francesco, where the saint is buried, is located under the nave, accessible via a staircase.

The walls of the Lower Basilica are entirely frescoed.

Upper Basilica

Built above the Lower Basilica, this part is larger and has a brighter atmosphere thanks to the Gothic stained glass windows that let in colored light.

The Basilica of San Francesco, in particular the Upper Basilica, is one of the first examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. The stained glass windows, which depict sacred scenes, are among the oldest in Italy and were made by artisans from abroad.

However, it is the extraordinary pictorial decoration that makes the Basilica a universal work of art.

Over the course of a few decades, between the second half of the 13th century and the early 14th century, the decoration of the basilica involved some of the greatest artists of the time. To interpret the spiritual message of Saint Francis, these painters developed a new artistic language. Among the best known are Cimabue, Torriti, Lorenzetti and Martini, but the name most closely linked to Assisi is that of Giotto di Bondone. It was Giotto, in fact, who created, at the end of the 13th century, the most important cycle of frescoes in the nave of the Upper Basilica, which tells the life of Saint Francis.

These frescoes marked the definitive overcoming of Byzantine art in the West and the beginning of a new era in Italian art.

Behind the basilica is the Sacro Convento, a large monastic complex that houses the community of Franciscan friars. The cloister of the convent, with its fascinating view of Assisi, is a place of meditation and recollection.

St Francis of Assisi is remembered not only for his extraordinary spirituality and humility, but also for the numerous miracles attributed to him. These events, which occurred during his life and after his death, testify to his deep connection with God, nature and humanity.

One of the most famous miracles is the miracle of the wolf of Gubbio: a ferocious wolf terrorised the town, attacking men and animals. Francis confronted the animal, speaking to it gently and convincing it not to do any more harm. From that moment on, the wolf lived peacefully among the inhabitants, who took care of him.

Another well-known episode is the sermon to the birds, when Francis spoke to the birds gathered in a field, and they listened to him in silence. This miracle represents his love for all creatures.

Among the miracles related to healing, Francis is said to have cured a leper by washing his wounds and praying for him. Similarly, he managed to make a miraculous spring gush forth in a dry place during a pilgrimage to quench the friars’ thirst.

The miracle of the stigmata, which occurred on the Monte della Verna in 1224, is perhaps the most extraordinary. Francis received the marks of the wounds of the crucified Christ, an event unique until then in the history of Christianity.

 


There are also tales of the multiplication of bread, when Francis managed to feed a large group of poor people and friars during a famine. At other times, he managed to restore peace between rival factions, thanks to the strength of his word and his peacemaking presence.

The lower church is open daily from 6:00 to 18:30, but on Wednesdays it closes at 18:00 and on Saturdays at 19:00. The upper church is open from 8:30 to 17:45. Visiting the basilica is free.

Our tour has come to an end but there still remains an important topic to address: the typical dishes of the city!

Typical dishes and where to eat them

I believe that visiting a city without trying its typical dishes is a missed opportunity! This is why together with Arianna I want to talk to you about the most famous dishes in the city and our favorite restaurants!

Umbricelli, also called lombrichi, are a type of artisanal pasta similar to spaghetti but thicker. They are prepared with a sauce made of bacon, tomato, marjoram, garlic, grated pecorino or onion, depending on your preference. This dish, rooted in Umbrian tradition, is an unmissable culinary experience.

Stringozzi are a long pasta that resembles fettuccine and, as the name suggests, resemble shoelaces (stringhe in italian). They are often accompanied by the renowned black truffle of Norcia, but are also delicious with other condiments, such as porcini mushrooms, asparagus, goose sauce or the classic spoletina (tomato, garlic, basil, oil, pepper and chili pepper). An all-Umbrian specialty not to be missed.

Corallina is a typical Umbrian cured meat, the result of ancient pork butchering art. It is obtained using mainly lean cuts of pork, enriched with fatty parts that give taste and softness, making it irresistible for every palate.

A simple yet unsurpassed dish, bruschetta celebrates the authentic flavor of Umbrian olive oil. The bread, toasted over embers, is flavored with garlic, a drizzle of freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of salt, for a simple yet irresistible result.

A traditional Easter dessert, typical of Perugia, ciaramicola is a donut flavored with alchermes and covered with a soft egg white glaze, enriched with colored sprinkles.

One of the symbolic dishes of Umbrian cuisine, pigeon alla ghiotta is particularly appreciated by the inhabitants of the region. It is cooked entirely on a spit and served with a sauce prepared with the cooking juices enriched with the bird’s innards, for an intense and unique flavor.

 

Typical of the culinary tradition of Assisi, lamb scottadito is grilled slowly to obtain juicy and tender meat. This dish, a symbol of Umbrian gastronomy, is a true delicacy.

Also known as Crescia, torta al testo is a type of focaccia prepared with flour, water, salt and baking soda, born as an alternative to bread. It can be filled with vegetables, cheeses and cured meats, offering a versatile and delicious base for any meal.

Where to eat all these delicacies?

Trattoria Pallotta : Typical regional restaurant since 1860. Click here to get there!

Ristorante Pizzeria il Menestrello: This restaurant is located right inside the Roman walls and offers typical dishes. Click here to get there! 

Osteria la Piazzetta delle Erbe:  A young and friendly place to enjoy traditional dishes. Click here to get there!  

Gelateria LeccaPaletta Assisi: Excellent ice cream parlour in the city centre. Click here to get there!

La Lanterna Ristorante Pizzeria: Great pizzeria. Click here to get there! 

Taverna dei Consoli: Ancient Umbrian trattoria serving traditional products. Click here to get there!  

Ristorante il Vicoletto: Here you will find traditional dishes of the city of Assisi. Click here to get there!

The end?

Unfortunately, we have finished our tour! However, there are several things around Assisi that you could visit: I’ll leave some tips below!

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli 

Imposing basilica housing the Porziuncola, a small church dear to St Francis, and the Transitus, where the saint died. It is a place of great spiritual significance.

Bosco di San Francesco (Assisi)  

A natural, meditative oasis at the foot of Assisi, with nature trails and works such as Pistoletto’s The Third Paradise. Perfect for relaxation and reflection.

Hermitage of the Carceri (Mount Subasio)  

A monastery immersed in the woods, where St Francis and his followers used to retire in prayer. It offers peace and breathtaking views.

Perugia  

The capital of Umbria is famous for the Major Fountain, the Palazzo dei Priori, the Rocca Paolina and Perugina chocolate. Lively and rich in history.

Church of San Damiano (Assisi)  

A simple and touching place where St Francis received inspiration for his mission and where St Clare lived.

Arezzo  

Tuscan city rich in art and history, known for the Piazza Grande, the frescoes by Piero della Francesca in the Church of San Francesco and the medieval atmosphere.

Lake Trasimeno  

The fourth largest lake in Italy, surrounded by villages such as Castiglione del Lago and Passignano. It offers outdoor activities, quiet beaches and boat trips to the islands.  

All good things must come to an end😬!

First of all, if you enjoyed the tour will be really important for me to have a review on these platforms (also on the platform where you booked, but these platforms that you find below are fundamental).

You can leave a review (no pressure on you for this⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) by clicking on these beautiful buttons!

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I know that it takes time (actually 4 seconds 😬) but for me this part is really important in order to continue this activity 🥰!

If, on the other hand, you had problems, have suggestions on how to improve it, or want to contact me, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!

Are you going to visit other cities?

I have prepared different digital guides to enable you to other cities as well. All guides were written in collaboration with locals so that the most authentic stories and advice could be included!

In these digital guides you will find:

  • Itinerary with the highlights of the city (connected with google maps) 📍
  • Historical info, curiosities and funny facts 🤓
  • FOOD TIPS from locals ! Every city has it’s own typical dishes so it’s super important to know about them 😬 Also, thanks to my local friends, you will discover real local restaurants to try them 😋!

I already prepared a special discount for you, you’ll find everything by clicking here!

Again, if need some support or need any extra info, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!

Greetings from your Walking Cap!

Matteo