The Best Free Things to Do in Assisi

You do not need to spend a single euro to access one of the most incredibly important and breathtaking artistic masterpieces in all of Italy. Both the heavily atmospheric Lower Basilica and the bright, soaring Upper Basilica are entirely completely free to enter for the public. Visitors can spend hours marveling at the revolutionary, world famous frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue that heavily adorn the walls and ceilings. Descending into the dark, incredibly solemn crypt to view the tomb of St. Francis is an intensely powerful, completely cost free experience. It provides an unparalleled, incredibly accessible dive into both deep religious history and the birth of Renaissance art.

The beautiful, highly meditative descent from the city gates down to the Sanctuary of San Damiano costs absolutely nothing but offers immense historical and visual rewards. The paved path winds beautifully through ancient, shimmering silver olive groves, offering fantastic, completely free vantage points over the lower plains. Upon arriving, entry into the incredibly rustic, deeply peaceful church and its adjoining cloisters is entirely free of charge. It is a fantastic, highly budget friendly way to experience the exact, untouched rural atmosphere where St. Francis received his divine calling. The combination of light exercise, stunning nature, and profound history is unbeatable.

Tucked away in a small alleyway, this incredibly tiny, fascinating historical site requires no admission fee to explore. Revered by locals as the actual, physical birthplace of St. Francis, this former stable offers a stark, deeply moving contrast to the massive, wealthy basilicas. Visitors can simply step off the busy main street and immediately find themselves in a quiet, incredibly austere, and heavily atmospheric medieval room. It provides a quick, highly impactful, and completely free connection to the humble, earthy origins of the saint. It is a perfect, highly authentic quick stop for budget conscious travellers interested in local folklore.

The expansive, incredibly rugged Regional Park of Mount Subasio serves as a massive, entirely free outdoor playground looming directly above the city. The mountain is crisscrossed with well maintained, highly scenic public hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. Trekking up through the dense, fragrant pine forests rewards hikers with absolutely staggering, uninterrupted panoramic views of the entire Umbrian valley. It is an incredibly peaceful, deeply restorative escape from the crowded historical centre, allowing you to connect directly with the wild nature that so heavily inspired the Franciscan movement. Pack a simple picnic and enjoy a completely cost free afternoon surrounded by stunning vistas.