La Cattedrale di San Rufino, Piazza San Rufino, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy (September 2020)

Assisi

Assisi is a small yet profoundly significant town in the region of Umbria, central Italy, renowned worldwide as the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church and the founder of the Franciscan Order. Situated on the slopes of Mount Subasio, overlooking the lush Umbrian valley, Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its religious, historical, and architectural heritage. The town’s serene atmosphere, medieval charm, and spiritual significance make it one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its sacred sites and breathtaking landscapes. Assisi’s history stretches back to ancient times, with its origins as an Umbrian settlement and later as a Roman town known as Asisium. Roman remains, such as the Temple of Minerva, still stand in the town’s centre, a testament to its classical past. However, Assisi’s fame is largely due to its association with Saint Francis (San Francesco), who was born here in 1181 or 1182. Francis, the son of a wealthy merchant, renounced his worldly possessions and devoted his life to poverty, humility, and service to the poor, eventually founding the Franciscan Order. Saint Francis’ message of peace, simplicity, and love for all living things has had a lasting influence on Christian thought and practice. His life and works are commemorated in Assisi through the many churches, monuments, and artistic masterpieces that reflect his legacy. In 1253, just a few decades after his death, the magnificent Basilica of San Francesco was completed, enshrining his remains and becoming a major pilgrimage site. Today, Assisi is considered one of the most spiritually significant places in Christianity, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to reflect on its tranquil beauty and deep religious meaning. The Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi is the town’s most iconic landmark and one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture. The basilica is divided into two parts: the Upper Church (*Basilica Superiore*) and the Lower Church (*Basilica Inferiore*), each with its own unique character. The Upper Church is known for its light-filled interior and stunning frescoes by the early Renaissance master Giotto and his school, which depict scenes from the life of Saint Francis. These frescoes are considered groundbreaking for their use of perspective and emotional depth, and they are a highlight of any visit to Assisi. The Lower Church, by contrast, has a more sombre and intimate atmosphere, with richly decorated chapels and the tomb of Saint Francis in the crypt. The basilica’s frescoes and artwork reflect the spiritual ideals of the Franciscan movement and are a masterpiece of medieval religious art.

While the Basilica of San Francesco is the main attraction, Assisi is home to many other significant religious sites. The Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to Saint Clare, a close follower of Saint Francis and founder of the Poor Clares, is another important pilgrimage site. Inside, visitors can see the preserved body of Saint Clare, as well as the famous crucifix that is said to have spoken to Saint Francis, calling him to rebuild my church. The Cathedral of San Rufino, the town’s main cathedral, is also worth visiting. It is the church where both Saint Francis and Saint Clare were baptized, and it houses several works of art and relics related to Assisi’s spiritual history. Just outside Assisi you will find the Eremo delle Carceri is a peaceful hermitage where Saint Francis and his followers would retreat for prayer and contemplation. Set in a wooded area on Mount Subasio, the hermitage offers a quiet, meditative escape, surrounded by nature. Beyond its religious significance, Assisi is celebrated for its scenic beauty and its well-preserved medieval architecture. The town’s cobblestone streets, stone houses, and panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside provide a perfect setting for leisurely exploration. The town is small enough to explore on foot, and visitors often enjoy wandering through its winding alleys, discovering charming shops, cafes, and local craft stores along the way. Assisi’s surroundings also offer many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking on Mount Subasio, which offers stunning views of the valley and nearby towns. The town is also famous for its festivals, including the Calendimaggio, a medieval festival held in May that celebrates the arrival of spring with music, parades, and historical reenactments. Assisi is a town where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge, offering visitors a unique and deeply enriching experience. Whether drawn by its religious heritage, its artistic treasures, or its tranquil landscapes, those who visit Assisi find themselves immersed in a place of profound significance. It is a destination that invites reflection, exploration, and appreciation of both its sacred and worldly aspects, making it a truly special place in the heart of Italy.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk 1  – Porta Cappuccini to Via S. Rufino
Approximately 1.08 km – 0.67 miles

The walk starts at the Porta Cappuccini – Via Eremo delle Carceri – Piazza Giacomo Matteotti – Via del Comune Vecchio – Vicolo Bovi – Via Montecavallo – Via Porta Perlici – Piazza San Rufino – La Cattedrale di San Rufino, Piazza San Rufino – Piazza San Rufino – Via S. Rufino

Photo Gallery of Walk 2  – Corso Giuseppe Mazzini to Vicolo Frondini
Approximately 0.53 km – 0.32 miles

The walk starts in Corso Giuseppe Mazzini – Piazza del Comune – Piazza Chiesa Nuova – Piazza del Comune – Chiesa di Santa Maria sopra Minerva ad Assisi, Piazza del Comune – Piazza del Comune – Via Portica – Via Arnaldo Fortini – Via San Francesco – Vicolo Frondini