San Rufino Cathedral

Explore Assisi on a walking tour with a guide who will tell you about the history, art, and local traditions of one of the most famous hill towns of Italy. Meet your guide and head to the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater, which was later put to use in the Middle Ages as a quarry for stone to build local houses. See how the amphitheater later was turned into a private neighborhood. From this vantage point, the view of the Rocca Maggiore medieval castle is one of the best in the city. Continuing along narrow alleys and through medieval squares you’ll reach the Cathedral of Saint Rufino Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Claire, and Piazza del Comune, the main city square. At the square you’ll see the Minerva temple, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in Italy. It is surrounded by imposing medieval government buildings. The tour then continues on to the Saint Francis Basilica, which is well known for its 13th and 14th-century frescoes created by Italian masters of the time, including Giotto.

Our tour begins at the Basilica of St. Clare, a majestic Gothic church dedicated to St. Clare, the founder of the Poor Clares and a close companion of St. Francis. Admire its striking pink and white stone façade, sourced from Mount Subasio, and step inside to marvel at the simplicity of its interior. Here, you'll find the Crucifix of San Damiano, which is said to have spoken to St. Francis, inspiring his spiritual journey. Don't miss the peaceful crypt housing St. Clare's relics. Next, we’ll walk to the Piazza del Comune, the vibrant main square of Assisi. This bustling hub is lined with charming medieval buildings and lively cafes. At its heart stands the Temple of Minerva, a remarkable Roman temple built in the 1st century BCE. Its well-preserved Corinthian columns are a stunning contrast to the medieval structures surrounding it. Today, the temple houses the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, blending ancient Roman and Christian influences seamlessly. Finally, we arrive at the Basilica of St. Francis, the crown jewel of Assisi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece is divided into the Upper and Lower Basilicas, each offering unique treasures. The Upper Basilica boasts stunning frescoes by Giotto, depicting the life of St. Francis with vivid detail and emotional depth. Descend to the Lower Basilica, where dimly lit chapels create an atmosphere of reverence, and visit the crypt containing the tomb of St. Francis himself. As you stroll through Assisi’s cobbled streets, you'll feel the enduring legacy of its saints and artists. This tour not only showcases the town’s spiritual significance but also its role as a cradle of art and culture. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of peace.

Amazing Tour with our Local Expert and tuk tuk departs from Asisium Travel Agency or from your hotel in Assisi. First stop: Chiesa Nuova (St. Francis's Home) and Parents Statue and Main Square Piazza del Comune with Minerva's temple. Visit to Piazza Matteotti (Roman Amphitheater) and Cathedral of San Rufino (Saint Rufinus), where St. Francis was baptized. Piazza del Vescovado (Bishop’s Palace) Sanctuary of the Stripping. St. Damian and the crucifix. Rivotorto Sacro Tugurio (Sacred Shrine of Rivotorto), Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels – the Porziuncola, where St. Francis died. End of tour at the Basilica of St. Francis, his birth place.

A tour to discover two important Assisi figures. St. Francis and Blessed Charles Acutis. The guided tour starts from the Basilica of San Rufino where the heart of Carlo Acutis is kept. An important stop to begin learning about the story of God's boy. After this stop you will go to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation where the body of Blessed Charles Acutis is kept. During this tour you will also explore the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, an imposing and world-famous church dedicated to the saint of Assisi. You will visit the upper and lower church with special attention to the frescoes found in the upper church.

Experience a unique emotion on board our brand new electric vehicle to admire the city's major monuments and its magnificent Sanctuaries: Basilica di Santa Chiara, Chiesa Nuova (birthplace of Saint Francis), Piazza del Comune and Tempio della Minerva. And then: Roman amphitheatre, Rocca maggiore (medieval castle on the top of the hill), Duomo di San Rufino, Piazza del Vescovado, Basilica of Saint Francis. Think green! Pick up & drop off on request fo a fee Tasting oil/wine on request for a fee

Experience a unique emotion on board the Ape Calessino to admire the city's major monuments: Basilica of Santa Chiara, Chiesa Nuova (birthplace of San Francesco), Piazza del Comune and Minerva. Roman Amphitheater, Rocca Maggiore, Cathedral of San Rufino, Piazza Vescovado and the Basilica of San Francesco Rediscover the magic of Assisi through its medieval alleys to discover its treasures that tell a centuries-old story. Tour duration 1h30 Tasting on request for a fee: €25 pp Pick up and drop off on request: €10

Our tour begins at St. Rufino Cathedral. The church is one of the most important churches in Assisi and was the most important before St. Francis was built. As we meander through the medieval streets, you'll be captivated by the charming ambiance and narrow alleyways that lead to hidden gems around every corner. The tour continues to the Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to Saint Clare. Admire the simplicity and elegance of the basilica's façade before entering to discover its ethereal interior. Stroll through the charming Piazza del Comune, the bustling heart of Assisi. This lively square is home to the Roman Temple of Minerva, an ancient marvel that stands as a testament to Assisi's rich Roman history. The walk continues to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore where you can visit the place where the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis is preserved. To conclude the tour, the heart of the town, the Basilica of Saint Francis, a Unesco World Heritage site and one of Italy's most revered religious landmarks. This magnificent basilica houses the tomb of Saint Francis, the beloved patron saint of animals and the environment. Marvel at the awe-inspiring frescoes by renowned artists such as Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini, which adorn the walls of the basilica. Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable guides will provide historical insights and captivating anecdotes, allowing you to fully appreciate the rich heritage of Assisi. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, revel in the natural beauty, and experience the cultural tapestry that makes Assisi a truly remarkable destination.

Start your tour at the doorway to Assisi, the Porta San Francesco which is of ancient origins yet is well preserved till date. Located just below the Basilica, this medieval gate makes a good stop for you to take some pictures before you start to explore the town further. Next, you will Visit the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, a Roman catholic church where St. Francis was born and died. Some of Italy's finest artworks in the Gothic combined with Romanesque style can be found here. It has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 2000. The Basilica is made up of two Churches which are “Basilica superiore”, the upper Church and the “Basilica inferiore”, the lower church. Visit the St. Peter's Church which dates back to 970 A.D. having a Romanesque facade which is designed in a rectangular shape and consists of three entries, the central one has two Lion sculptures crafted on each side. You will admire the interior which is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Walk through Piazza del Comune, the main square of Assisi which starts at the Corso Mazzini, the street which connects Piazza Santa Cliara to Piazza del Comune. Here, you will also get to see the fountain of the 3 lions dating back to the 16th Century. Some of the oldest buildings as well as shops and hotels are housed here. Get to see the Temple of Minerva which was built by the will of Gnaeus Caesius and Titus Caesius Priscus in the 1st Century BC. Dedicated to goddess Minerva, it is one of the well preserved examples of Roman architecture. The renowned German poet Goethe is said to have described it during his visit to Assisi in 1786. Next, you will visit the Assisi Cathedral dedicated to San Rufino, the first Bishop and patron Saint of Assisi who takes credit for converting Assisi towards Christianity and is said to have been martyred. The remains of the Saint were put to rest in a Roman sarcophagus now located under the main altar of the Cathedral of San Rufino. The feast day is celebrated on 11th August each year. Visit the Basilica of Saint Claire which is built containing the existing structure of the Church of San Giorgio. The construction of the Basilica began in 1257 under the famous architect Filippo Campello. It is dedicated to St. Clare of Assisi, one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi. The remains of St. Claire are kept in the Basilica after being transferred from the chapel of San Giorgio. Finish your tour at the south-eastern part of Assisi at the Porta Nuova which is one of the eight gates of Assisi and of historical significance.

Assisi, the city of St. Francis, as well as having a religious soul is also a place with a fascinating history waiting to be discovered. Together with an official Assisi guide, you can explore the basement of the city's cathedral and the archaeological museum for a tour of the remains of the town's ancient Roman forum and some valuable archaeological artifacts kept inside. The sites included in the Assisi underground itinerary are the Diocesan Museum with the crypt of San Rufino and the Roman forum with the archaeological museum. The Diocesan museum and the crypt of San Rufino. The evocative basement of the palace houses the remains of a Romanesque cloister and the crypt of the "Basilica ugoniana" (11th century), decorated with very rare coeval frescoes and a Roman sarcophagus with the myth of Selene and Endymion that housed the coffin of the patron saint Rufinus. The museum preserves interesting and valuable artwork from the cathedral, enhancing its historical and religious significance. Completing the site visit are the Cloister and Crypt of St. Rufinus, both from the 11th century. The crypt, an evocative environment located under the nave of the cathedral, is one of the places where Francis used to retire in prayer when he preached in the cathedral. Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum Under the present-day Town Hall Square, dominated by the Roman Temple of Minerva, the ancient Roman Forum can be visited, which was found during excavations in 1836. The remains of the Forum include the base of the temple with access gates to a monumental cistern, a podium with seats for magistrates and a small temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux.

First stop: Chiesa Nuova (St. Francis's Home) and Parents Statue and Main Square Piazza del Comune with Minerva's temple. Visit to Piazza Matteotti (Roman Amphitheater) and Cathedral of San Rufino (Saint Rufinus), where St. Francis was baptized. Piazza del Vescovado (Bishop’s Palace) Sanctuary of the Stripping. St. Damian and the crucifix. Rivotorto Sacro Tugurio (Sacred Shrine of Rivotorto), Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels – the Porziuncola, where St. Francis died. End of tour at the Basilica of St. Francis.