Assisi packs an extraordinary amount of art, architecture, and spirituality into its compact medieval centre. Most sights cluster around the two main squares: Piazza del Comune and Piazza San Francesco. You can see the highlights in one full day, but two days lets you walk the Mount Subasio trails and visit Santa Maria degli Angeli in the valley below. All major sites are within walking distance if you can handle steep cobblestone streets and steps. For a complete overview, see our Assisi travel guide.
Things to Do in Assisi: Religious Sites
Basilica of St. Francis (Basilica di San Francesco)
The Upper and Lower Basilicas form the spiritual heart of Assisi. The Upper Church contains Giotto’s 28-scene fresco cycle depicting the life of St. Francis, painted between 1297 and 1300. The Lower Church houses Cimabue’s Madonna with St. Francis and the crypt where St. Francis is buried. Entry is free. Open Monday to Saturday 6:00-20:00 (Upper Church), 6:00-18:45 (Lower Church). Sundays and holidays open at 8:30. No photography inside the basilicas. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. The adjacent Sacred Convent museum (EUR 5) displays 13th-century manuscripts and relics. For more information, see our Assisi weather by month.
Basilica of St. Clare (Basilica di Santa Chiara)
This 13th-century Gothic church houses the original San Damiano Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis, prompting his mission. St. Clare’s tomb lies in the crypt. The pink and white stone facade, built with stone from Mount Subasio, dominates the eastern end of Assisi. Free entry. Open daily 6:30-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 (until 19:00 in summer). The piazza in front offers panoramic views over the Umbrian valley. For more information, see our best time to visit Assisi.
San Damiano
A 20-minute walk downhill from Porta Nuova takes you to this peaceful convent where St. Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies (Poor Clares) in 1212. St. Francis wrote the Canticle of the Creatures here. The simple stone buildings and cypress-lined garden feel worlds away from the grand basilicas. Entry is free; contributions welcome. Open daily 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 (until 18:30 in summer). The walk back uphill is steep; take the local bus (Line C) from the parking area if you are tired. For more information, see our Assisi events and festivals.
Santa Maria degli Angeli
Located 4km downhill in the modern town, this massive 16th-century basilica encloses the tiny Porziuncola chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan order in 1209. It also contains the Cappella del Transito where he died on October 3, 1226. The Rose Garden and the Chapel of the Roses are next to the basilica. Free entry. Reach it by a 10-minute train ride from Assisi station or by the Line C bus from Piazza Matteotti (EUR 1.50, runs every 30 minutes). The basilica is open daily 6:15-12:40 and 14:30-19:30. For more information, see our Assisi neighborhoods guide.
Things to Do in Assisi: Historic Sites and Views
Rocca Maggiore
This 12th-century fortress sits at the highest point of Assisi, 200 metres above the town. Climb the main tower for 360-degree views stretching to Perugia on clear days. The walk up Via della Rocca takes about 15 minutes from Piazza del Comune. Entry costs EUR 6 (reduced EUR 4 for students and over 65). Open daily 10:00 until sunset (varies by season: 17:00 in winter, 19:30 in summer). The fortress walls, internal courtyards, and restored tower are all accessible. Bring water; there is no cafe at the top. For more information, see our where to stay in Assisi.
Piazza del Comune and Temple of Minerva
The main square has been the civic centre since Roman times. The Temple of Minerva, with its six intact Corinthian columns, was built in the 1st century BC and converted into the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in 1539. The facade is one of the best-preserved Roman temple fronts in Italy. Free entry to the church interior. The square also contains the 13th-century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the Torre del Popolo (EUR 3 to climb, great city views). The Tourist Information Office (IAT) at Piazza del Comune 10 is open daily 8:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:00. For more information, see our Assisi travel tips.
Things to Do in Assisi: Outdoor Activities
Mount Subasio Hiking
Mount Subasio Regional Park offers 60km of marked trails across the limestone massif that rises to 1,290 metres. The most popular route is Trail 50 from Porta Cappuccini to the summit (Eremo delle Carceri): 7km one-way, moderate difficulty, about 2.5 hours. The trail passes the Hermitage of St. Francis (Eremo delle Carceri), a 15th-century monastery tucked into the oak forest where St. Francis once retreated to pray. Free entry to the hermitage; open daily 6:30-18:00 (until 19:00 in summer). Trail maps are available at the IAT office. Wear sturdy shoes; the path is rocky in sections.
Walk the Medieval Walls
A 4km circuit follows the 14th-century defensive walls encircling the old town. Start at Porta San Francesco and walk clockwise past Porta Nuova, Porta San Pietro, and Porta Perlici. The route takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace and gives you views of the valley below from every angle. Free. Best done in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden on the stone. There are benches scattered along the path if you need a rest.
