A UNIVERSAL HERITAGE
ASSISI
"Start by doing what is necessary, then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible". (Saint Francis of Assisi)
19,08 km
FROM PERUGIA
203,5 km
FROM ROMA FIUMICINO
516,4 km
FROM MILANO MALPENSA
Journey into the beauty of peace
Between Topino's stream and that which flows down from the hill the blessed Ubaldo chose, from a high peak there hangs a fertile slope; from there Perugia feels both heat and cold at Porta Sole, while behind it sorrow Nocera and Gualdo under their hard yoke. From this hillside, where it abates its rise, a sun was born into the world, much like this sun when it is climbing from the Ganges.Therefore let him who names this site not say Ascesi, which would be to say too little, but Orient, if he vould name it rightly.
Dante Alighieri, Divine Comedy.
Assisi, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, is certainly the spiritual heart of Umbria, from which the message of peace and love of St. Francis and St. Clare radiated all over the world. In the 13th century a shrine with priceless art treasures was built on the tomb of St. Francis: the Papal Basilica, which was the venue, concurrently, of both a spiritual and an artistic revolution.
In the Basilica of St. Francis Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini and many others immortalized the life of the Saint with their artwork, changing the course of art history continuing to impress and excite still today for their expressive power.
Come and discover with me its picturesque medieval cobblestoned alleys, where time seems to have stopped.
What to see in a half day (2,5 h)
Basilica of St. Clare
with the tomb of the Saint and the famous Crucifix of St. Damian, which tradition has it, spoke to St. Francis.
Paternal house of St. Francis
inside the Chiesa Nuova.
Piazza del Comune
with the civic buildings and the renowned Roman Minerva Temple.
Lower and Upper Basilica of St. Francis
where the tomb of the Saint is. This shrine was magnificently frescoed by the greatest 13th and 14th century masters such as Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti. Note: Explanations inside the Basilica of St. Francis are allowed by renting earphones at a price of € 2.50 per person. On public and national holidays explanations of the churches are given outside.
Other things to see with more time at disposal
Major Fortress
the imposing medieval fortress was built in 1365 by Cardinal Albornoz on a previous feudal Germanic citadel, where, tradition has it, the future Emperor Frederick II lived for a short time. From its towers you can enjoy one of the most evocative and sweeping views over Assisi and the Umbrian Valley.
Cathedral of St. Rufino and the Diocesan Museum
the actual cathedral rises on top of two preexisting churches, a splendid crypt from the 11th century is the only remaining part. Its façade, remarkable example of the Umbrian Romanesque style, is decorated by three exquisite rose windows and by many symbolic sculptures.
Museum of Memory
this interesting museum, situated in the Bishop's palace, tells us about the many Righteous among the Nations of Assisi, who contributed to saving many Jews from deportation during the Second World War.
St. Peter Abbey
not far from the Basilica of St. Francis we find the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which was begun in the 10th century. The grandeur of its interior is striking.
Gourmet Corner
Tasting of typical products.
FROM THE BLOG
Special Tours
ON THE PATH OF BACCHUS. WINE TASTING AND VISIT TO THE MOST IMPORTANT WINERIES OF UMBRIA.
In our beautiful region we produce two red DOCG (this is the highest quality level) wines and nine DOC wines, most of which are white. If you are curious to know the story behind each of them, we can visit the most prestigious wineries, where you will taste the precious nectar paired with tasty local delicacies – unforgettable wine and food experience.
KITCHEN WITH A VIEW.
Try your hand at cooking real Umbrian recipes in a tranquil hideaway farmhouse overlooking the splendid Basilica of St. Francis. Learn the secrets of authentic Italian home cooking under the expert guidance of a chef and author of two wonderful cookbooks.
APERITIF AND ART IN A HISTORICAL MANOR IN ASSISI.
After a pleasant walk along an olive grove surrounding Assisi, we reach a place full of history of the mystical Subasio Mountain. The doors of a beautiful historical residence will be opened by its kind owners exclusively for you: St. Angelo in Panzo. The monastery of S. Angelo was built on a previous Roman settlement, favored by the presence of a millenary spring that provided and still provides water to Assisi. It was the first convent where St. Clare took refuge and, legend has it, where she performed her first miracle.
OSCARWORTHY OIL MILLS. FROM THE “SEA” OF UMBRIA , AN EXCELLENT EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL.
Emerald green hued, intense and fruity, Umbrian olive oil with its pleasant bitter and slightly spicy taste is considered among the best Extra Virgin olive oils not only in Italy, but also in the world. Let’s join this tour to learn the secrets about the production of our “green gold” and its infinite health benefits. Don’t miss this worthwhile experience to taste a top quality extra virgin olive oil directly in the mill where it is produced.
TOUR WITH A PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.
If you would like to be immortalized in the places you visit and make your memories unforgettable, you can live a unique experience with an expert photographer at your entire disposal. You can take home digital photos or have an actual album delivered to your home.
LADY POVERTY AND "SISTER STONE". RELIVE THE SPIRITUALITY OF FRANCIS.
This historical-naturalistic trekking along one of the main trails of the Regional Park of Mount Subasio will lead us to the Hermitage of the Prisons, where Saint Francis used to retreat in solitude with a few of his followers. Level of difficulty: tourist-hiking level. Gradient: 1800 ft. Duration: 3/4 hours.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. FRANCIS
Assisi is the town where the Saint was born and where his mortal remains are preserved. It is here that he founded his Order that radiated a message of peace and tolerance throughout the world. We will relive all the milestones of his life by visiting the many mystical places which are still to be seen in his native town .The Papal Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, built around the Porziuncola chapel: the most beloved place by St. Francis, where he founded his first brotherhood and where he wanted to die; the Basilica of St. Clare built on the tomb of the Saint. It preserves the famous Crucifix of St. Damian, which, tradition has it, spoke to St. Francis; Chiesa Nuova with the paternal house of the Saint; the Basilica of St. Francis, that houses the Saint's tomb and where the magnificent frescoes by extraordinary painters such as Giotto and Cimabue can be admired; the Sanctuary of St. Damian, surrounded by an olive grove, where St. Clare and her sisters lived for forty years. This is the place where St. Francis got his calling from the famous Crucifix . In the Hermitage of the Prisons, immersed in a secular holm oak forest, you can experience the contemplative life of St. Francis and his early followers.
DISCOVERING THE ART OF PORK BUTCHERY.
You are right in the land where this ancient craft was born. The name, in fact, comes from Norcia, where the practice of pork meat processing originated to make delicious cold cuts famous all over the world. During this tour you will get to know a prestigious farm that will reveal the secrets of the "norcino". Recently, the ancient pig breed called "cinturino", raised in the wild, has been brought back to life. Come and taste the native PGI-certified ham and the wild boar salami with truffles.
ROMAN ASISIUM AND ITS HIDDEN WONDERS.
From the pre-Christian age the town has always had a spiritual vocation as a sanctuary dedicated to the cult of healing waters and to recent studies of the Dioscuri. Join this fascinating journey where you can admire the hidden monuments of the Roman Asisium. The Area of the Amphitheater, where part of the two ancient Roman aqueducts is visible; the Cathedral of St. Rufino with the cistern used as the foundation for the bell tower and the sustaining walls; the Area of the "Forum" with the Roman ruins underneath the main Piazza del Comune; the imperial Domus of the Muse (probably dedicated to the Latin poet Propertius) in the church of S. Maria Maggiore and the Domus of the Lararium in the Giampè Palace (the visit of these two Roman houses requires a special permit) with mosaics and extraordinary frescos.
ASSISI UNDER THE STARS
Join this relaxing walk under a starry sky in the historic center of Assisi. We will wander in its medieval alleys, not only to admire the most famous monuments, but also its hidden gems. While telling you anecdotes about famous travelers such as Hermann Hesse and Goethe I will show you the magical and less known face of one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria.