Via S. Rufino, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy (September 2020)

Assisi

Perched on the gentle slopes of Mount Subasio in the heart of Umbria, Assisi is one of Italy’s most spiritually resonant and historically significant towns. Overlooking the broad Umbrian valley, the town’s stone buildings cascade down the hillside in harmonious layers, creating a striking silhouette that has inspired pilgrims, artists, and travellers for centuries. Best known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, Assisi is a place where faith, history, and natural beauty are deeply intertwined.

Assisi’s origins predate Christianity, with roots in ancient Umbrian and Roman settlements. Traces of its classical past remain visible today, including Roman walls, a forum, and the well-preserved Temple of Minerva, which now forms part of the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in the town’s main square. During the Middle Ages, Assisi grew into an important religious and political centre, shaped by both communal independence and papal influence. This layered history gives the town a unique character, where pagan, medieval, and sacred elements coexist seamlessly.

The spiritual heart of Assisi is the Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world. Built shortly after Saint Francis’s death in 1226, the basilica is composed of two levels, each adorned with extraordinary fresco cycles by artists such as Giotto and Cimabue. These artworks revolutionized Western painting by introducing greater emotional depth and realism, while vividly illustrating the life and teachings of Saint Francis. For visitors, the basilica offers both artistic wonder and a profound sense of reflection.

Beyond Saint Francis, Assisi is also closely associated with Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares. The Basilica of Santa Chiara, with its distinctive pink and white stone façade, houses her tomb and preserves relics connected to her life. Together, these sacred sites reflect the town’s enduring role as a centre of Franciscan spirituality, emphasizing values of humility, compassion, and harmony with nature.

Assisi’s historic centre invites unhurried exploration. Narrow cobbled streets wind past medieval houses, quiet courtyards, and small piazzas where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace. Local shops offer handcrafted goods, ceramics, and regional products, while family-run trattorias serve Umbrian specialties rooted in simple, earthy flavours. The atmosphere encourages contemplation, echoing the spiritual legacy that defines the town.

The surrounding landscape further enhances Assisi’s appeal. Olive groves, vineyards, and wooded slopes frame the town, while walking paths on Mount Subasio provide panoramic views and moments of solitude. Nature has always played a central role in Franciscan thought, and in Assisi it feels like an extension of the town’s identity rather than a backdrop. Assisi is more than a historical destination; it is a living symbol of spiritual reflection and cultural continuity. Whether approached as a place of pilgrimage, artistic heritage, or quiet beauty, Assisi leaves a lasting impression through its balance of devotion, history, and serene Umbrian charm.

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 – 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