Things to do in Assisi

Activities, attractions and tours

Assisi showing farmland and heritage architecture
Roman Temple of Minerva featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Assisi which includes farmland, a city and views
Assisi featuring a small town or village
Assisi which includes religious elements
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Top places to visit

1. Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is an enormous church that attracts pilgrims from across the globe with its Baroque chapels and Franciscan origin story. Learn about St. Francis of Assisi, who chose to live a life of poverty in the 12th century.
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Santa Maria degli Angeli which includes religious aspects and a church or cathedral

2. Basilica San Francesco di Assisi

A powerfully affecting site for believers and art-lovers alike, the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the crowning jewel of the town’s UNESCO heritage-listed Franciscan structures. Immense in scale and ambitious in design, the basilica can be seen from miles around and boasts glorious views into the valleys surrounding the town of Assisi. Spend an afternoon exploring the churches, gardens, piazzas and the crypt that houses the elaborate tomb of St. Francis.
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Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi which includes heritage architecture

3. Piazza del Comune

Widely considered one of the best-preserved medieval squares in all of Italy, the Piazza del Comune is the focal point of the town of Assisi. Explore the open-air restaurants, gelatarias and wine bars that surround this pedestrian-only square, giving it a lovely warm atmosphere that attracts tourists and locals. After a long day sightseeing on the hilly streets of Assisi, the piazza is the perfect place to sit back and relax.
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Piazza del Comune showing a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

4. Basilica of Santa Chiara

Constructed between 1257 and 1265, the Basilica of Santa Chiara is of great historic and spiritual significance. The church is named after St. Clare, a friend and protégé of St. Francis, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies, which still has thousands of members today. Take advantage of the excellent photo opportunities available in the adjoining piazza, from which you have wonderful views of the valleys south of Assisi.
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Basilica of Santa Chiara featuring landscape views, a church or cathedral and farmland

5. San Damiano

Although it consists of a modest church and adjoining convent, San Damiano has great historic significance. Visit the site where it is said, in 1205, St. Francis was commanded by God to give up a life of luxury and excess to serve the Church and where St. Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies in 1212. Escape from the crowds inside the city walls when you visit this peaceful and charming location.
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San Damiano which includes flowers and heritage architecture

6. Via San Francesco

Wander along Via San Francesco and discover multiple sightseeing destinations located next to one another. Walk along this short road and the alleys branching off it to find a stunning stone church, chapels from different eras of Perugia’s history and a museum of fine arts held in a convent. A charming, grass-covered piazza and medieval stone houses make it one of the prettiest streets in the area.
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Via San Francesco featuring a small town or village, flowers and street scenes

7. Cathedral of San Rufino

Although less famed than some of the other religious buildings in Assisi, the Cathedral of San Rufino is a site of enormous historic, spiritual and architectural significance. Dedicated to Assisi’s patron saint, Rufinus of Assisi, who converted the town to Christianity in the 3rd century, the Cathedral of San Rufino stands on the ruins of two other religious buildings. Explore the cathedral’s interior, the surrounding piazza and the subterranean crypt to see a diverse array of architectural styles and learn about the importance of the site in the history of the Franciscan Order.
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Cathedral of San Rufino which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

8. Roman Temple of Minerva

Constructed in the 1st century B.C., the Roman Temple of Minerva is one of the best-preserved examples of classical architecture in all of Italy. Admire the façade before exploring the interior of a building that has awed artists throughout history. Florentine master Giotto depicted the temple in one of his lauded frescoes in the Papal Basilica of St. Francis. German philosopher and poet Goethe described it as “so perfect in design that it would be an ornament anywhere.”
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Roman Temple of Minerva featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

9. Rocca Maggiore

An imposing bastion that has dominated the skyline of Assisi for more than 800 years, the Rocca Maggiore is a magnificent castle that offers spectacular views of Perugia to the north and the surrounding valleys below. Climb the steps that lead up to this fortress to learn about military strategy in the middle ages and discover why Umbria is called the green heart of Italy.
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Rocca Maggiore which includes a castle

What to do in Assisi

Popular places to visit

Santa Maria degli Angeli showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views

Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels

Explore the glorious building where Saint Francis of Assisi lived, prayed and died and visit its beautiful museum and rose garden.

Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels
Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi featuring interior views, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Basilica San Francesco di Assisi

Join pilgrims from all over the world in exploring this grandiose 13th-century religious complex. See the remains of one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

Basilica San Francesco di Assisi
Piazza del Comune showing a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Piazza del Comune

Relax over a coffee or a glass of wine while you enjoy watching the crowds in this bustling square in the heart of Assisi.

Piazza del Comune
Basilica of Santa Chiara featuring landscape views, a church or cathedral and farmland

Basilica of Santa Chiara

See the tomb of St. Clare and kneel before the miraculous crucifix that spoke to St. Francis in this magnificent 13th-century Gothic church.

Basilica of Santa Chiara
San Damiano which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

San Damiano

Explore the church and monastery where St. Francis received his miraculous calling from God and where St. Clare built her religious order, in a peaceful setting outside the walls of Assisi.

San Damiano
Via San Francesco featuring a small town or village, flowers and street scenes

Via San Francesco

One short street in the heart of Perugia encompasses many of the city’s most important religious landmarks, each housing impressive sacred artwork.

Via San Francesco
Cathedral of San Rufino which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Cathedral of San Rufino

Visit this 13th-century Romanesque cathedral to learn the illustrious history of the site and to stand in the spot where St. Francis was baptized in 1182.

Cathedral of San Rufino
Roman Temple of Minerva featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Roman Temple of Minerva

Admire the exquisitely preserved façade of this Roman structure and explore its Baroque interior to learn about the classical and medieval history of Assisi.

Roman Temple of Minerva
Rocca Maggiore which includes a castle

Rocca Maggiore

Walk up the hill to this mighty imperial fortress to learn about civic life and warfare in medieval times while enjoying breathtaking views over Assisi and the surrounding valleys.

Rocca Maggiore

Areas of Assisi

Assisi showing heritage architecture

Assisi Historic Center

Churches, art galleries, and museums are some highlights of Assisi Historic Center. Make a stop by Basilica of Santa Chiara or Cathedral of San Rufino while you're exploring.

Assisi Historic Center
Perugia which includes a city

Perugia

Bastia Umbra

Bastia Umbra

Spello which includes street scenes as well as a couple

Spello

Photo "Rivotorto" by trolvag (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by trolvag (CC BY-SA)

Rivotorto

Frequently asked questions

Is Assisi worth visiting?
Assisi offers an interesting mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Assisi?
Terme Francescane Thermal Baths and Foligno Palazzo Comunale are two excellent places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Assisi while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Assisi?
You can't go home without visiting Terme Francescane Thermal Baths, rated the top tourist attraction in Assisi.
Is three days enough to stay in Assisi?
Three days in Assisi is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests book for two days on average. Terme Francescane Thermal Baths, Cathedral of San Rufino and Basilica of Santa Chiara are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Perugia.
Is Assisi a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Assisi. Several key attractions, such as Cathedral of San Rufino and Basilica of Santa Chiara, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Assisi's best neighborhoods, Assisi Historic Center is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Santa Maria degli Angeli is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Assisi with kids?
Planning what to do in Assisi with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Assisi for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Assisi, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Tenuta Castelbuono or Tenuta Bellafonte.
Are there free things to do in Assisi?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Assisi. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Cathedral of San Rufino is a must for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.

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