Assisi is a superb hill town in the beautiful region of Umbria, a picturesque medieval walled city, It is located in central Italy, within the region of Umbria and the Perugia province. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to see vestiges of the Roman civilization that established Assisi and for pilgrims who visit the churches and relics of Saint Rufino, Saint Francis and Saint Clare.
Assisi attractions
Assisi’s most popular attraction is the Basilica of Saint Francis, or San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monumental complex dedicated to Saint Francis dates from the 13th century. Inside are the crypt of Saint Francis, frescoes, and art works.
Church of Saint Clare, or Santa Chiara, is dedicated to the friend and follower of Saint Francis and contains her tomb. The church has a pink and white facade and beautiful rose window. It houses the San Damiano Crucifix (in the Oratorio del Crocifisso), which spoke to Francis in 1206.
San Rufino Cathedral, or duomo, has a 12th century Romanesque facade and inside is the baptismal font where Saints Francis and Claire were baptized.
Two Castles perch at the top of the town. The Rocca Maggiore, the larger castle, was originally built in 1367 and enlarged several times. The smaller castle is only partially restored but its three towers are open to the public.
A Roman Amphitheater dates from the first century and now houses a garden. Around it are medieval houses.
Piazza del Commune, the town’s main square, houses a fountain, the 13th century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and adjoining tower, and the Palazzo dei Priori. The Temple of Minerva faces the square.
Assisi specials
Historical Assisi is very small and easily explored on foot, slowly on the hilly streets, rest in one of the cool churches or enjoy an icecream break . We suggest to begin your tour at the top of the town (which is the oldest part), so you can enjoy the city going down the hill.
Umbria is a land particularly suited to viniculture. Its moderate climate and gentle rolling hills that favour exposure to the sun, all contribute in making such excellent Umbrian wines, produced by the wine growers of the region since ancient times. To find the roots of the local food and wine culture and the secrets behind the flavors, ingredients and magical way, we have Four identified wine-roads that retrace evocative routes with particular reference to the places where the named products originate: ‘Strada del Vino dei Colli del Trasimeno’, close to Trasmeno Lake,‘del Cantico’, from Assisi to Todi, ‘del Sagrantino’, in Montefalco and Bevagna area, ‘Etrusco-Romana’, from Orvieto to Amelia.
Discover the main shopping streets and squares in Assisi. The many shops display a variety of local arts and crafts, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and reproductions of medieval weapons and tools. Religious items, embroidery, mushrooms, truffles, extra virgin olive oil, wine and chocolate manufacuring are also typical of the area.
Perugia & Assisi
Rome is the most fascinating city of Italy and if you decide to base your trip in Rome, Italy Creative recommends that you stay at least one night in of the charming relais in the woodlands of Perugia, visit the city and the nearby mystic Assisi.
2 days to discover 2 beautiful cities: Perugia and Assisi. We suggest to take this short tour and enjoy the sites in the historic centers and the other spiritual sites associated with Saint Francis.
At only 110 miles from Rome, Perugia is very nearly at the exact center of Italy. It is the capital of the Umbria region, known as the “Green Heart of Italy”. Perugia is a lively walled hill town with a compact historic center that is a rambling maze of medieval streets, people-filled squares and modern shops. It known for is world-famous festivals, like the jazz festival, the production of fine chocolate and the chocolate festival, the pasta making.
Perugia attractions
Piazza IV Novembre is the heart of Perugia. It’s a large, open square where locals and visitors congregate. In the center is a beautiful fountain, the Fontana Maggiore, surrounded by the Duomo (said to hold the virgen’s wedding ring), the Palazzo dei Priori, and medieval buildings with shops and bars.
The Fontana Maggiore, made of pink and white stone, is decorated with intricately carved panels showing the months of the year, astrological signs, Aesop’s fables, mythical monsters, and more.
The Palazzo dei Priori, where the town councilors used to meet, has some beautiful 13th century frescoes and wooden furniture. It houses the National Art Gallery of Umbria and three other museums.
The Corso Vannucci is the main pedestrian street and is lined with elegant shops, bars, and eating places.
The Rocca Paolina: you can wander through the underground remains of the streets and houses where are also held art exhibits.
Etruscan remains include the 3rd century BC Etruscan well, the Etruscan Arch (one of the city gates), and remains of the massive Etruscan wall around the city.
Perugia specials
Many trips and excursions may be organised in the surrounding countryside, long walks, cycling, horse-riding to discover an artistic and natural Umbria
Wine and food: one can find typical delicious products like truffles, wine, olive oil, salamis and it is possible to visit the famous oil and wine museum’s in the area one can buy their products. The most noteworthy characteristic of Umbrian cuisine is its simplicity. It relies strongly on seasonal produce such as mushrooms and wild asparagus, on wild delicacies such as truffles, on vegetables, cereals, regionally reared meat – particularly lamb, pork and game – either cooked over the fire or worked into cured hams and salame.
There are a few shopping streets that are lined with rows of tiny shops selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, sounvenirs and various other handicraft items. The older section of the town has various smaller shops where locally made handicrafts and pottery can be found. The weekly markets in Assisi are quite colorful and lively and are great places to interact with the locals and to understand the local lifestyle in this region. Handcrafts and hand made products: one can find products like textiles, ceramics, laces and wrought iron in towns like: Deruta, Gualdo Tadino, Gubbio and others