Assisi in 2 days
Day one for the four main sights of the centre, day two for the Eremo delle Carceri and the valley — in the order you actually walk.
- How long
- 1
- Basilica of St Francis
- Entry free
- Lunch
- Torta al testo, from €5 (torta al testo)
One day is enough for the centre of Assisi, a second for the Eremo and the valley. The plan follows the order you walk: from the western end of town, where the basilica stands, to the square and the fortress, then beyond the walls on day two.
From the basilica to the fortress
Arrive by bus in town (€1.30 (town bus)) and the Basilica of St Francis. The lower church with the crypt first, then the upper one with the fresco cycle on Francis's life.
Bosco di San Francesco, the woodland next to the basilica, with a 1.5 km trail and the church of Santa Croce: €6. It is closed on Mondays, so skip it then.
Along the street to the Piazza del Comune. Beside the Temple of Minerva, beneath the square lies the Roman Forum with an archaeological collection, €5.
Lunch in the centre. If you want the dish the neighbouring page is devoted to, torta al testo is the quickest choice.
The Basilica of St Clare: Clare's tomb and the crucifix from San Damiano. On weekdays it reopens after the midday break, so this is the right hour.
San Rufino cathedral, where both Francis and Clare were baptised. Crypt and museum: €3.50 (museum and crypt).
The Rocca Maggiore, uphill above the town. €8, open Mar, Apr, May, Oct 10–18; Jun–Aug 10–20; Sep 10–19; Nov–Feb 10–17. If you still have the legs, look at the Rocca Minore near Porta Cappuccini from outside: the interior is closed, and access from outside is free.
Beyond the walls: hill and valley
Eremo delle Carceri, 4 km from the centre on the slope of Subasio. Entry free, open summer weekdays 6.30–19, holidays 7.30–19. A wooded path also leads there from the Rocca Minore, about an hour's walk.
Back into town, then lunch.
By bus down to the valley and Santa Maria degli Angeli (€1.30 (town bus)). The basilica is built around the Porziuncola, entry free. It reopens after a midday break, and is open 7.30–12.30 and 14.30–19 (extended in summer, 6 Jul–28 Aug).
Day two ends here; a bus runs back up to town.
What to drop when you're running late
- Late start? The Basilica of St Francis is the fixed point of the plan: if it slips, postpone the Rocca Maggiore and the Forum, not the basilica.
- Short on time? The Rocca Minore and the Bosco drop out most easily: the first is only seen from outside anyway, and the Bosco is closed on Mondays.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Is one day enough for Assisi?
Yes, for the centre: two basilicas, the square with the forum, San Rufino and the fortress. The Eremo delle Carceri and Santa Maria degli Angeli need a second day.
Can I walk to the Eremo delle Carceri and Santa Maria?
Both are 4 km from the centre. A town bus runs to Santa Maria (€1.30 (town bus)), and a wooded path leads to the Eremo from the Rocca Minore, about an hour's walk.
What if the Bosco di San Francesco is closed?
It is closed on Mondays. Then skip the Bosco and go straight on to the Roman Forum.
Ready for Assisi?
Where to next
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How well does Assisi suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
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