Free walking tours in Assisi and what to see

Must-sees

Assisi spreads across the slopes of Monte Subasio and is the town of St Francis and St Clare. The Basilica of St Francis and other Franciscan sites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica has two churches, one above the other: the lower holds the saint's tomb and frescoes by Cimabue, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti, and the upper the cycle of the life of St Francis attributed to Giotto.

Along Via San Francesco you reach Piazza del Comune, where the Roman façade of the Temple of Minerva still stands. Beyond are the Basilica of St Clare, with the crucifix that, according to tradition, spoke to the saint, and the cathedral of San Rufino. Up above, the Rocca Maggiore offers views over the valley. In the valley, Santa Maria degli Angeli shelters the Porziuncola, the small chapel where the order was born, and on Monte Subasio is the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage, among holm oaks.

Free tours and guided visits

Assisi has no regular free walking tour, but there are quite a few guided formats. You can take a group guided tour of the centre and the basilicas or a private tour. To save yourself the hills there are tuk-tuk rides and a hop-on hop-off bus. Tuk-tuk outings to Spello are also run from Assisi, including entry to the Villa dei Mosaici, a Roman villa with decorated floors.

How long to spend

In a day you can see the Basilica of St Francis, Piazza del Comune and St Clare's, although at a brisk pace. With two days you add the Rocca Maggiore, San Rufino, the Porziuncola in Santa Maria degli Angeli and a climb to the Eremo delle Carceri. Spello and Perugia are very close for rounding off your stay.

Where to stay

Staying inside the walls lets you see Assisi at peace once the groups have left, with small hotels and guesthouses, some run by religious orders. Bear in mind that cars are left outside the centre. Santa Maria degli Angeli, in the valley, has more choice, the railway station and buses to the upper town. On the slopes of the Subasio there are agriturismi with views.