Holiday in Assisi

What makes Assisi special as a destination?

Assisi is one of the most spiritual cities in Europe and the home of Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order and the patron saint of Italy and animals. The small Umbrian town, which nestles like an amphitheater on the western slope of Monte Subasio, radiates a tranquility and grandeur that deeply touches even non-religious visitors. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the pink stones from the local limestone give Assisi a unique, warm glow, especially at sunset. The Basilica of San Francesco is the centerpiece and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world. The double church consists of an upper and a lower church, both adorned with frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and the Lorenzetti brothers, which are among the most significant works of art from the Middle Ages. Giotto's cycle depicting the life of Saint Francis in the upper church is considered a turning point in European painting - this is where the revolution towards the Renaissance began. The tomb of the saint in the crypt of the lower church is a place of quiet devotion. The Piazza del Comune, the main square, impresses with the ancient Temple of Minerva, whose Corinthian columns date back to the 1st century BC and which is now used as a church. The Rocca Maggiore, the imposing fortress above the town, offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the Umbrian valley to Perugia and Spoleto. Below the town lies the mighty Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli with the Porziuncola, the tiny chapel where Francis founded the order. Assisi is only 25 kilometers from Perugia and can be reached via Perugia-San Francesco Airport (an apt name) or alternatively via Rome. The town is an excellent starting point for exploring Umbria - Spoleto, Spello, and Trevi are within a short drive. The best travel time is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the summer pilgrimage crowds are either not present or have dissipated.