Assisi on Foot: in the Footsteps of Saint Francis
Assisi is enveloped in a powerful aura of sacredness, where the traces left by great historical figures remain both recognizable and tangible. This guided tour, which captures the very essence of the city, unfolds through the streets, squares, buildings and monuments that witnessed the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Clare.
With our Assisi Walking Tour, you will be accompanied by expert guides as you discover evidence of different eras harmoniously intertwined – such as Santa Maria sopra Minerva, now a church but originally a Roman temple.
This group tour, lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, offers a truly immersive journey through the history of Assisi, following in the footsteps of the figures who made the city renowned throughout the world.
San Rufino
Located in the oldest part of the city, the Cathedral of San Rufino – perhaps surprisingly to many – holds the title of Assisi’s Cathedral. Rufino was the first to bring the Christian faith to the city, and following in his footsteps, Saint Francis often preached in the square in front of the church. Thanks to its splendid façade, San Rufino stands as one of the finest examples of Umbrian Romanesque architecture.
Basilica of Santa Chiara
This Italian Gothic style building is one of Assisi’s best-loved landmarks, as it has been the resting place of Saint Clare of Assisi since 1260. Together with her friend Saint Francis, she founded the Order of the “Poor Ladies of San Damiano”. The white and pink stone from Monte Subasio gives the façade its distinctive appearance; at sunset, the stones reflect the fading light, creating evocative plays of light and shadow – a spectacle that fills the heart with peace and serenity.
Piazza del Comune
The route continues through Medieval lanes and city streets towards the lively Piazza del Comune, which – just as in the past – remains the cultural and social heart of Assisi. Built above the ancient Roman forum, the square is dominated by the Tempio of Minerva, once the city’s most important pagan sanctuary and now the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, symbols of civic power, reveal the Medieval face of the city.
Lower Square of Saint Francis
One of the most famous squares in Italy, it forms the perfect setting for the majestic Basilica di San Francesco. The arcades, dating back to the late 15th century, embrace the wide open space and welcome the countless visitors and pilgrims who, since 1230, have come to venerate the tomb of the “Poverello”.
Basilica di San Francesco
On selected dates, guided tours of approximately one hour are available, entirely dedicated to the Basilica di San Francesco. These can be booked separately or combined with the Walking Tour of Assisi’s historic centre.
The Basilica tour offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover how the life of Saint Francis left an indelible mark on history, influencing fields as diverse as faith, art, literature, economics, and ecology. No one, more than the “Poverello of Assisi”, understood the profound bond between humankind and creation.
Now that you know what to do in Assisi, check the available dates and times, and book your visit to experience Assisi as never before.