Best Attractions in Assisi

We've curated a list of 5 iconic landmarks and must-see sites. To experience them all properly, you'll need about 8 hours of exploration time.

MUST SEE 1h

Basilica of Saint Clare
Basilica di Santa Chiara

The Basilica of Saint Clare stands as a serene and powerful testament to the life and legacy of one of Assisi's most revered figures. With its striking pink and white stone façade and massive, iconic buttresses, this Gothic masterpiece commands attention while maintaining a peaceful presence. Inside, visitors find a space of profound spiritual gravity, housing both the tomb of Saint Clare and the original San Damiano Crucifix that famously spoke to Saint Francis. Whether you are drawn by the rich Franciscan history, the beautifully preserved medieval frescoes, or simply the architectural elegance, a visit here offers a reflective moment amidst the hillside charm of Assisi. It is a place where history feels tactile, bridging the gap between the medieval past and the present day.

Did you know?

The interior houses the Maestro di Santa Chiara's famous painted cross, a masterpiece of late thirteenth century Umbrian art.
view Basilica of Saint Clare guide
MUST SEE 2h

Hermitage of the Carceri
Eremo delle Carceri

Tucked away on the slopes of Mount Subasio, the Hermitage of the Carceri is a sanctuary of profound silence and reflection. It was here that Saint Francis and his early companions retreated to essentially lock themselves away in prayer, finding solace far from the demands of the world. Surrounded by an ancient forest of holm oaks, the site features small caves where these holy men once lived in simplicity. Visiting offers a unique opportunity to walk the same stone paths and experience the quietude that shaped Franciscan spirituality. Whether you seek spiritual peace or simply a serene escape into nature, this hidden gem remains one of Italy’s most contemplative landscapes.

Did you know?

The surrounding woodland is an ancient forest, home to some of the oldest holm oak trees in the entire region.
view Hermitage of the Carceri guide
MUST SEE 2h

San Rufino Cathedral
Cattedrale di San Rufino

The Cathedral of San Rufino stands as a testament to the layered history of Assisi, with stone walls that whisper secrets from Roman times to the medieval era. This architectural gem features one of the most remarkable Romanesque façades in Italy, adorned with peculiar beasts, griffins, and lions that seem to guard its entrance. Stepping inside reveals a striking contrast, where a refined Renaissance and Baroque interior invites moments of quiet reflection. It is here that saints like Francis and Clare were baptised, a profound detail that anchors the city’s spiritual legacy in this very space. Visitors will find the crypt and the attached Diocesan Museum particularly rewarding, as they unearth the ancient foundations that predated the current structure. It is a place that feels deeply personal to the city, offering a peaceful sanctuary for those looking to connect with the authentic roots of Assisi.

Did you know?

Local tradition maintains that the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II was baptised in the cathedral's font in 1197.
view San Rufino Cathedral guide