Asissi
It’s not just St. Francis, discover the myriad of reasons to visit Assisi
Assisi is one of the most famous and beloved medieval towns in the world. Naturally it owes its fame to
St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy, yet it also offers many other monuments and attractions that are worth a visit during your next
holiday in Umbria.
Basilica of St. Francis
Naturally, the
Basilica of St. Francis holds pride of place amongst the various attractions and the
things to visit in Assisi. Built in the 13th century, it is composed of the
Lower Church and the
Upper Church and is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both of the churches that make up the Basilica are perfect representations of Umbria Romanesque architecture, on the one hand, and French gothic on the other. Yet it is the interior fresco cycles in particular that make a
visit to the Basilica of St. Francis truly extraordinary.
Basilica of St. Clare
The life and divine grace of
St. Francis of Assisi are inextricably lined to the life of
St. Clare, to whom another Basilica was dedicated, built in gothic style immediately after her death, which closely resembles the almost contemporary upper basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The church contains important relics, such as the black veil, the under-tunic, sackcloth and a crucifix, as well as important items belonging to St. Francis.
Piazza del Comune
After you have paid a visit to the most important spiritual centre of the town, it is only right that you also see the secular one also. That would be the
Piazza del Comune, where an ancient Roman forum once stood. Here you can find important monuments, such as the
Palazzo dei Priori, the Torre del Popolo (Tower of the People), the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the
Fountain of Three Lions and the Temple of Minerva.
Rocca Maggiore
If you are a
photography enthusiast, you certainly cannot miss the view from the
Rocca Maggiore, a fortress that looks over the citadel of Assisi and the Tescio valley.
Built in the 12th century and subsequently partly destroyed during a popular uprising in the 14th century, the
Rocca Maggiore di Assisi was rebuilt in 1356 in keeping with its former medieval layout.
