Visiting Assisi in 2025 means immersing yourself in a timeless atmosphere, where spirituality, history, and art blend in a unique way. This Umbrian city, known worldwide as the birthplace of Saint Francis, continues to attract pilgrims, travelers, and culture enthusiasts thanks to its extraordinary artistic and religious heritage. Strolling through medieval alleys, majestic basilicas, and breathtaking viewpoints, one realizes that Assisi is not just a place of worship, but also a perfect destination for those who love the authentic beauty of central Italy.
In this article, you’ll discover what to see in Assisi in 2025, including basilicas, monuments, and historical routes, along with practical tips to build a complete itinerary.
The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi
The undisputed symbol of the city is without a doubt the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Built starting in 1228, it houses the saint’s remains and represents an architectural masterpiece that combines Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The basilica consists of two superimposed churches:
- The Lower Basilica, with its intimate atmosphere and decorations by Cimabue, Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini.
- The Upper Basilica, renowned for Giotto’s fresco cycle depicting the life of Saint Francis, which had an enormous influence on European medieval art.
For travelers in 2025, the visit will be enriched by new cultural initiatives and guided tours that blend technology and spirituality, offering interactive experiences to explore the details of the frescoes.
Basilica of Saint Clare: Keeper of the San Damiano Crucifix
Another must-see in Assisi is the Basilica of Saint Clare, dedicated to Saint Francis’ disciple and founder of the Poor Clares. The building, in Italian Gothic style, stands out for its façade of alternating pink and white local stone, while inside it houses important relics.
Among the most famous works is the San Damiano Crucifix, the one before which Francis received the divine call: “Go and repair my house.” A symbol that still draws thousands of faithful today.
Visiting this basilica means not only admiring an artistic masterpiece, but also connecting with a fundamental piece of Franciscan spirituality.
The Historic Center of Assisi: A Journey Back in Time
Assisi is not only about basilicas—its medieval historic center is a treasure to be discovered step by step. Walking along its narrow cobbled streets, you’ll find squares, towers, and picturesque views that tell centuries of history.
The Piazza del Comune is the civic heart of the city. Here stand the Temple of Minerva, dating back to the 1st century BC, and the Palazzo dei Priori, a testimony to medieval political life. Today, the temple serves as a Christian church, while the palace houses the Town Hall and the Civic Museum.
Every corner of the historic center holds artisan shops, wine bars, and traditional restaurants where you can taste Umbrian products such as Sagrantino wine and extra virgin olive oil. In 2025, various cultural events and exhibitions will animate the streets, offering yet another reason to explore the city.
Rocca Maggiore: The Panoramic Fortress
Overlooking the city from above, the Rocca Maggiore is an unmissable stop for those who want to admire a unique view of the Umbrian valley. This medieval fortress was built in 1174, expanded over the centuries, and used as a defensive stronghold.
Today, the fortress is open to visitors, allowing them to walk among towers and ramparts, discovering historical exhibitions and reconstructions of medieval life. From the highest point, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Assisi, Spello, Perugia, and even Mount Subasio.
A tip for 2025: visit the Rocca at sunset, when the warm colors of the sun reflect on the walls and create an evocative atmosphere.
The Smaller Churches of Assisi and Franciscan Sites
In addition to the main basilicas, Assisi is home to numerous smaller churches worth visiting.
- The Church of San Damiano, just outside the walls, is where Saint Francis wrote the Canticle of the Creatures.
- The Hermitage of the Carceri, nestled in the woods of Mount Subasio, preserves an atmosphere of silence and retreat.
- The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, located on the plain, houses the Porziuncola, the small chapel where Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor.
These places, easily reachable with short walks or local connections, complete an itinerary that goes beyond art and embraces the spiritual dimension of the city.
Historical Routes and Cultural Treks in Assisi
Assisi is not only a destination for religious pilgrimages, but also for slow and sustainable tourism. In 2025, its historical and naturalistic routes will be even more appreciated, such as:
- The Olive Grove Path, linking Assisi to Spello through olive groves and rural Umbrian landscapes.
- The Way of Saint Francis, retracing the saint’s life stages through monasteries, hermitages, and medieval villages.
- Mount Subasio Park, perfect for trekking enthusiasts, with trails leading to panoramic peaks and Franciscan hermitages.
These routes allow you to experience Assisi authentically, slowing down the pace and discovering the deep bond between nature and spirituality.
Visiting Assisi in 2025: Practical Travel Tips
To make the most of a trip to Assisi in 2025, here are some useful tips:
- How to get there: the city is connected by regional trains, buses, and Perugia Airport, about 15 km away.
- Where to stay: a wide choice of historic hotels, countryside farmhouses, and B&Bs in the historic center.
- Best time to visit: spring and autumn remain the best seasons for weather and colors, but each season has its charm.
- Length of stay: at least two days are recommended to visit the basilicas and historic center at a relaxed pace, three or four if you want to include trekking and the surrounding area.
What Is the Best Way to Visit Assisi?
If you want to experience Assisi in all its beauty and enrich your trip with a stop in enchanting Orvieto, the best choice is to join a guided tour. You’ll enjoy the convenience of an organized trip, an expert guide, and the chance to discover two symbolic Umbrian cities in just one day.
Book now the Assisi and Orvieto Tour with Green Line Tours and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of timeless places.
