A UNESCO heritage site, Assisi is a beautiful town in the city of Perugia in the Umbria region. Situated on the western flank of Monte Subasio, this is the birthplace of St. Francis. Nestled halfway between Rome and Florence, it is brimming with modern architecture, medieval buildings, and green mountains. Tourists can pay a visit to the famous Basilica di San Francesco, where they can admire the architectural structure and Giotto’s frescoes. Piazza del Comune and Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo are famous landmarks where you will come across Tempio di Minerva, Torre del Popolo, several fountains, and shops. Art lovers will have a good time at Pinacoteca Comunale that is home to a huge collection of Renaissance frescoes and paintings on wood panels and canvas. Apart from these, there are various other things to do in Assisi, which attract thousands of tourists throughout the year. Check out this list of popular things to do in Assisi, Italy.
1. Immerse yourself in the legends of St. Francis on a guided walking tour of Assisi (from USD 214.55)
Explore the historic monuments of Assisi on a private walking tour. While you wander, you will start to discover the squares of the Old Town area. From Roman ruins and old stone houses to magnificent frescoes, this trip will give you a chance to know more about the famous patron saint who resided here. Head to the Basilica of Saint Francis, an intricately decorated 13th-century church. An interactive tour inside will help you gain an insight into the life of the founder of the Franciscan order.
Assisi: Private Walking Tour with St. Francis Basilica
Duration: 2.5 hour
2. Pick up traditional Italian cuisine secrets at a cooking class (from USD 242.0)
This four-hour cooking class is conducted at a traditional home where you’ll learn how to make popular Italian specialties. You’ll be part of a small group, ensuring you get the most out of the class. Once you have finished the cooking class, you’ll finally get to sit down and have a homecooked dinner with wine and dessert. This session will also give you recipes to take home and memories that last a lifetime.
Umbrian Traditional Cooking Class with Lunch in Assisi
Duration: 4 hours
3. Hike among the olive groves of Mount Subasio
Take your family and kids out for a day of leisurely activities to Mount Subasio Park, which is covered with forest, meadows, and olive groves. Tourists can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the trails, or they can just relax and spot squirrels, wild boar, weasels, wild cats, and many more. Multiple birds of prey like the buzzard, the goshawk, and the horned owl are frequent visitors in this park.
Mount Subasio
Address: Loc. Ca Piombino, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Mount Subasio
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Meditate at the mystical hermitage of Eremo delle Carceri
Located 791 meters (2594 feet) above sea level, Eremo delle Carceri is a structure sitting on the slopes of Mount Subasio. This is the place where first the hermits, and then St. Francis and his companions led a quiet life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a tour of this beautiful and sacred place, and discover how this particular saint was naturally led to a life of prayer and solitude.
Eremo delle Carceri
Address: Via Eremo delle Carceri, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Eremo delle Carceri
5. Watch the sunset from the breathtaking citadel of Rocca Maggiore
A picture-perfect castle sitting high above the town, Rocca Maggiore is a popular tourist destination outside of central Assisi. Tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the area while exploring one of the fortresses built along the town walls. Take in a stunning view of the city and of the Umbrian Valley below. You can also climb the stairs to reach the top of the watchtower. Explore the tunnel and browse through the permanent exhibitions that illustrate what life was like in the Dark Ages.
Rocca Maggiore
Address: Via della Rocca, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (daily)
6. Admire the Gothic architecture of the Temple of Minerva
Built in the year of 1539, Temple of Minerva in the Piazza del Comune is an ancient and impressive Roman building that houses a church inside and features incredible frescoes. Marvel at the amazing medieval architecture and admire the Corinthian columns supporting the beams.
Temple of Minerva
Address: Piazza del Comune, 14, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
7. Take a step into ancient history at Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum
Founded during an excavation back in 1836, Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum is a popular historic site in Assisi. Check out the interesting visual displays, including the one that recreates a case in front of a tribunal facing the Temple of Minerva. Have a look inside the Forum, where you will find remains of a temple base with access to a cistern, a podium with seats for the magistrates, and a stunning temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux, who were said to be sons of Zeus.
Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum
Address: Via Portica, 2, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
8. Feast on fresh pasta at Trattoria Pallotta Assisi
Situated right in front of the Temple of Minerva, this restaurant serves authentic Umbrian style platters and has been doing so since the 1860s. Guests can enjoy tasty and healthy meals here, as the ingredients and the food are carefully chosen and cooked for a delicious experience. Prepared with the best organic ingredients that are locally sourced from trusted producers, these delicacies possess a unique depth of flavor. From stringozzi with mushroom sauce and homemade tagliatelle to the potato gnocchi and cacciatore rabbit, there are multiple options to choose from.
Trattoria Pallotta Assisi
Address: Assisi historic center, Piazza del Comune, Vicolo Della volta Pinta, 3, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Trattoria Pallotta Assisi
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 12am - 3pm, 7pm - 10pm (closed on Tue)
9. Visit the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater of Assisi
Pay a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre of Assisi that is situated in Porta Perlici. Built in the first half of the first century, this marvelous piece of architecture was built with cement. Though it is not as obvious anymore and just a part of the travertine arch remains to be seen, the original shape can still be viewed from between the garden wall that separates the ancient side and the other medieval structures. This historic amphitheater is a must-visit when in Assisi.
Roman Amphitheatre of Assisi
Address: Via Anfiteatro Romano, 06081, Assisi, Italy
10. Indulge your inner gourmet at the Bibenda Assisi Wine Bar
Listed as one of the best Italian wine shops by the 2012 Wine Oscar, Bibenda Assisi Wine Bar will likely be one of the best bars you’ll ever visit. With outstanding service and a wide range of wine options on the menu, this establishment is situated amidst lush green surroundings and is easily accessible by foot or local transport. Tasting wines here is another great thing you should do while in Assisi. Enjoy some wine, soothing bar music, and ambient lighting.
Bibenda Assisi Wine Bar
Address: Vicolo dei Nepis, 9, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Bibenda Assisi Wine Bar
11. Make a pilgrimage to the sacred grounds of Santuario San Damiano
Built back in the 12th century, San Damiano is a historic church that is also a monastery of the Order of St. Clare. Franciscan sources suggest that in the early 1200s, St. Francis received a message from God to restore this place. Although the church, with its unique hut-shaped facade, doesn’t have a lot of artistic significance, the story of St. Francis and his devotion brings it a lot of significance among the local community.
Santuario San Damiano
Address: Via San Damiano, 7, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Santuario San Damiano
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm; Sun: 10:30am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm
12. Have a quick snack of crisp pizza at Pizzeria da Andrea
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hang out with friends at Pizzeria da Andrea, where you can relish a perfectly thin and crispy slice of pizza. Located near San Rufino cathedral, this excellent eatery serves not just pizza, but other delicious meals made fresh every day. After a busy day touring Assisi, be sure to stop by for a hot slice. You should also sample the torta al testo, a flatbread stuffed with vegetables, sausage, mozzarella, and more. This is a must-try during your visit.
Pizzeria da Andrea
Address: Via dei Tagliapietra, 23, 06132 Perugia PG, Italy
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 7:30pm – 11pm (closed on Mon)
13. Get fresh, fragrant lavender from Negozio Il Lavandeto Di Assisi
Posted by Il Lavandeto di Assisi Store on Tuesday, 24 April 2018
If you are interested in buying gifts and souvenirs for friends and family back home, head to Negozio Il Lavandeto Di Assisi for unique gifts. Tourists can choose among a wide range of products, including lavender-padded perfumes, scented perfumes, room fresheners, and handmade gift items. You can also pay a visit to the lavender fields, where you can watch the production of lavender bouquets, little cloth dolls with lavender, angels in lavender-stuffed fabrics, cribs with lavender, lavender perfume bags, wedding favors, and many more.
Negozio Il Lavandeto Di Assisi
Address: Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 1c, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Negozio Il Lavandeto Di Assisi
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 7:30pm
14. Snag a handmade leather product from Michelangelo Art and Crafts
Michelangelo Art and Crafts is a handicraft store in Assisi, where you can come across beautiful, handmade products made with ceramic and leather. Browse through the unique items that resemble the tradition, craftsmanship, and charm of Assisi. A family-owned and run store, Silvana, Francesco, and his son Michele have ensured proper quality control for over 50 years now. A popular store in Assisi, this place attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year.
Michelangelo Assisi
Address: Piazza del Comune, 37, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Michelangelo Assisi
Opening hours: 10:30am - 7:30pm (daily)
15. Buy handcrafted jewelry from Assisi Jewels
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Founded in the year of 1973, Assisi Jewels offers handcrafted jewelry in a modern style. It is now managed by Fausto and Fiorenzo Baldini, the sons of the founder Franco Baldini. This famous store is located within walking distance from the Basilica of Saint Francis. A perfect hotspot for the ladies, modern advances and techniques in jewelry making have allowed this family business to flourish, and it continues to be a huge name worldwide.
Assisi Jewels
Address: Via San Francesco, 14, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Assisi Jewels
Opening hours: 9:30am - 7:30pm (daily)
16. Learn about Assisi's rich heritage at Museo della Memoria
Go back in time at Museo della Memoria, where you can check out some interesting exhibits related to items from the Second World War. Browse through the texts by Annabella Donà, check out unpublished documents, view photos, awards, essays, and objects from that time period and learn about the various characters who spent their lives trying to save the Jews. Enter the halls of this museum and immerse yourself in the memory of the bishop Monsignor Giuseppe Placido Nicolini, who pulled the strings of this clandestine organization.
Museo della Memoria
Address: Piazza del Vescovado, 3, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Opening hours: Mon: 9:30am - 1pm; Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm
17. Tour historic artworks at the Assisi Diocesan Museum
Take a tour inside Assisi Diocesan Museum, which was founded by Bishop Giuseppe Placido Niccolini in the year of 1941. This museum has nine sections that display over a hundred different exhibits. Check out the archaeological displays of items in the Corridor, admire the detached frescoes in the Master of St. Clare room, see the polyptych of San Rufino in the Nicolò Alunno room, or discover the symbols of the four evangelists in the Crypt of San Rufino. Be sure to see everything, including the Cloister, Diocesan room, Confraternity room, the engraved stone tablets, the Sermei room, and Perkins room.
Assisi Diocesan Museum
Address: Piazza San Rufino, 3, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Assisi Diocesan Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11am - 5pm (closed on Wed)
18. Pick up a fine Umbrian wine at Terra Umbra Antica
Posted by Terra Umbra Antica on Saturday, 4 May 2019
Plan a date night with your loved ones at Terra Umbra Antica, where you can try fine Umbrian wine along with a good plate of stringozzi alla norcina. Relish a range of delicacies such as delicious sausages and hams that are prepared with wild herbs and served with melted cheese. Apart from these, customers can also gorge on homemade bread, pizza, and white or black truffles, among others. Quench your thirst with the region’s best wines, including Sagrantino di Montefalco, Rosso di Montefalco, Grechetto Assisi, Vernaccia, Sangiovese, and Trebbiano.
Terra Umbra Antica
Address: Viale Patrono d'Italia, 10, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Terra Umbra Antica
Opening hours: 8am - 1pm, 3:30pm - 7:30pm (daily)
19. See the relics of a saint at Basilica di Santa Chiara
A popular hotspot among tourists, Basilica di Santa Chiara houses the remains of St. Clare of Assisi, who was the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies and one of the followers of St. Francis of Assisi. Take a tour inside this historic and sacred basilica and admire this architectural masterpiece that features pink and white bands of stone from the Subasio, and the majestic flying buttresses supporting the two sides of the church.
Basilica di Santa Chiara
Address: Piazza Santa Chiara, 1, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Basilica di Santa Chiara
Opening hours: 6:30am - 12pm, 2pm - 7pm (daily)
20. Marvel at Giotto frescoes in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (from USD 55.0)
When visiting Assisi, be sure to explore all areas of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Built in honor of the founder of the Franciscan Order, this architectural masterpiece reflects his reserved lifestyle and his renunciation of worldly goods. Marvel at the stunning frescoes done by Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and other masters of the era, and discover all the incredible and priceless treasures housed here.
Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
21. Savor risotto and ravioli at Taverna dei Consoli
Treat your taste buds at Taverna dei Consoli, a popular dining spot among tourists and locals. Head to the terrace where you can savor lunch or dinner with your partner while enjoying a view of the bustling Piazza del Comune. Try out some authentic local dishes, including Norcia cured meats, truffles, Cascia saffron, porcini mushrooms, lamb, and wild boar meat. Admire the beautiful décor featuring works by the Umbrian artist Norberto Proietti while you take a sip of the best Umbrian and Tuscan wines.
Taverna dei Consoli
Address: Vicolo della Fortezza, 1, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy
Website: Taverna dei Consoli
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2:30pm, 7pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 2:30pm, 7pm - 9:45pm, Sun: 12pm - 3pm
22. Explore Assisi's famous monuments aboard a vintage tuk-tuk (from USD 54.18)
Tourists can board this amazing, vintage Ape Calessino tuk-tuk and explore all the famous monuments of Assisi. Take this unusual trip with your family and enjoy panoramic views that overlook a valley covered by vineyards. Take a ride along the winding streets and discover the historical structures and landmarks of this medieval town. Have a look inside St. Clare Basilica and spend some time in the main square, Piazza del Comune. Admire the architecture of San Rufino cathedral, or explore the medieval Rocca Maggiore.
Assisi: Panoramic Tuk Tuk Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
23. Sample local wine and cheese at a family vineyard (from USD 47.68)
Enjoy a picnic in the vineyard of a family farm and learn about viticulture. There is a veranda in the middle of the vineyard where visitors can enjoy sampling the wines and tasting some local cheese and meat. Trek through the vineyards that are surrounded by mesmerizing views of Assisi while you learn more about the winemaking process. Owned by the Mencarelli family, this farm is filled with grapes, olives, and stunning oak trees. Relax and unwind with a glass of wine, cured meats from the Subasio Mountains, and delicious cookies made specially in Umbria.
Pic nic Deluxe Assisi and wine tasting 5 wines
Duration: 2.5 hour
24. Soar over Assisi's picturesque valleys in a hot-air balloon (from USD 202.72)
Take the most beautiful balloon ride in the world and fly with a highly experienced balloon pilot. Admire the ancient villages surrounded by vineyards and olive groves from above. Relax and watch the beautiful landscapes unfold below. Climb into a hot air balloon, feel the excitement as the balloon gently lifts up, and take Instagram-worthy pictures of the stunning view. After a superb flying experience, tourists can enjoy wine tasting and a delicious breakfast at a famous local winery.
Assisi: Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast & Wine Tasting
Duration: 4 hour
25. Tour an olive orchard and taste authentic Italian olive oil (from USD 104.0)
Take an interesting tour of an olive orchard and an oil mill and learn how olive oil is produced. The guide will take you through an interactive tour of the place and impart knowledge on how “green gold” is made. Tourists can also sample some housemade oils with bread after they have learned the process of creating and bottling authentic olive oil from harvest to distribution. End this interesting trip with a delicious lunch complete with wine.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tour with Lunch in Umbria
Duration: 5 hours
Explore Assisi like a local
Enjoy a spectacular visit and discover the interesting attractions Assisi has to offer. This town is a spiritual destination that represents its namesake. Have a date night at Le Terrazze di Properzio, a restaurant offering a delicious and traditional menu amidst a cozy ambiance. Explore the remains of a fortress at Rocca Maggiore, and take a scenic walk through the streets and squares of this old town. With narrow streets, beautiful churches, rich culture and heritage, and a maze of tunnels and caves, Assisi boasts the best weather to plan a perfect holiday for all seasons.
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