A Little Countryside… Visiting Assisi on Foot and with Friends

Last updated on August 2, 2025 by Shannon

Florence is a gorgeous city, one of my new favorites in the world. With the Tuscan countryside begging for bike rides and wine tours, art history breathing in every corner, gardens begging a wander and delicious food to eat, I thoroughly loved the week we spent exploring the city.

But it’s time to move onward and continue this trip. No round the world trip can happen if you stay in one spot, and so we chose one other area of Italy to explore. Since my cousin and I had visited the classic iconic spots on past trips, we all decided to head deep into the center of Italy, to the heart.

Jenn’s uncle had raved about Assisi; he told stories of gorgeous countryside and a warm welcome from locals, and that was enough of an incentive for us to head straight for this small Italian city and dig into all the interesting things to do in Assisi.

Getting to Assisi

The Italian train system works well and we relied almost entirely on trains to navigate Italy. Unlike buses, trains forgo highways. Instead, you dissect the remote and untouched areas of the country, enjoying rolling views along the way. Just a few hours after leaving Florence, our train coasted to a stop at a tiny train station surrounded by wheat fields.

In the distance, we spotted the glittering walls of Assisi, a city perched on the hillside and presiding over the rolling wheat fields. Then, it was time to walk to our hostel.

Our hostel was nothing to write home about. The reviews online were highly polarized and although we were a bit nervous about what to expect, frankly, Ostello della Pace was the only budget place in Assisi.

Had a budget place like Bed and Breakfast A Casa delle Fate existed on this trip, we would have stayed there—it looks just a bit toward mid-range budget, but is clean and convenient.

If you’re traveling solo, or on a mega budget, however, the hostel suffices, but that’s the most I will say about it. An older woman owns the place and she runs it in the mornings—she doesn’t seem to enjoy the hospitality industry and was downright rude in most interactions. That said, the young woman running the reception in the evenings is sweet and the place is exceedingly clean.

History of Assisi

Refusing to let the hostel dampen our spirits, we took a short walk into the city center. The walk is beautiful. The path snakes through golden wheat fields that gently sway in the breeze far into the horizon.

As a city, Assisi is significant in the Catholic faith, and the crowning jewel is the Basilica of Saint Francis. Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals and founder of the Franciscan friars. While I’m not Catholic, my grandmother ensured that I have a good foundational knowledge. This served me well as I learned more about Saint Francis of Assisi, his life and actions.

Rocca Maggiore is a massive fortress more than 800 years old. Constructed in 1316, the fortress presides over the city. Sitting on the highest hill in the region, the walls are still in good condition and it’s a focal point from anywhere lower in the valley.

And while the fortress is a must-visit, Saint Francis’ Basilica is the highlight of an visit to Assisi. The detail and architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is gorgeous inside and out.

Inside, the ceilings have a dark, intricate design offset with diamond-shaped ceiling beams. Pope Gregory IX laid the first stone in 1228, and the entire church is built directly into the hillside. That’s why there’s both an Upper and Lower portion of the church, both laden gorgeous frescoes and intricate artwork. 

Best Things to Do in Assisi

We wandered the cobbled streets for the entire day. At one point, we were royally lost. We had somehow left the city and walked for 45 minutes around the lower city walls. Eventually, we found a small unmarked trail that lead to the Fortress. We had all assumed that this path—filled with underbrush and no signposts—would lead us back into the city.

It didn’t.

Somehow, we had truly trapped ourselves outside of the city’s tall walls. The only way we found back into Assisi was to follow the highway to a small, quaint arched entrance that had clearly served as a primary entrance for hundreds of years. We hunted down sweets as a snack once we reached the city center once agian.

These are the best things to do in Assisi—besides getting lost!

Wander through Assisi’s Old Town.

From the square, venture into the narrow, winding streets that wind their way through the town. As you wander the tight alleys, picture-perfect medieval houses are adorned with flower boxes. The medieval architecture is beautifully preserved and we all loved the charming atmosphere.

While wandering, keep an eye out for the Temple of Minerva, a remarkably preserved Roman temple that stands as a testament to Assisi’s rich history. It’s there you can really see the fusion of ancient and medieval influences. The temple has been repurposed over the centuries and now serves as a church.

To really get the lay of the land, join a guided walking tour of Assisi’s Old Town. They’ll lead you through the labyrinthine streets, as guides share stories and historical insights. They also point out hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that you’d never think to seek out.

And if you’re looking for souvenirs, seek out beautiful ceramics—I bought a gorgeous olive oil dispenser on a subsequent visit—handmade textiles, and intricate woodwork.

Visit the Basilica of San Francesco.

As noted, the Basilica of San Francesco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy. The 28 frescoes in the Upper Basilica depict scenes from the life of Saint Francis. The Lower Basilica houses the saint’s tomb.

In April 2025, Assisi gained further notability with the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint. His tomb, located in the Sanctuary of the Renunciation (Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore), is now a significant pilgrimage site. This event coincides with the Jubilee Year, which began on December 24, 2024—they expect an influx of over 5 million visitors to Assisi this year.

Visit the Museum

For those on a pilgrimage, be sure to pop into the museum adjacent to the Cathedral of San Rufino. The Assisi Diocesan Museum has a notable collection of sacred art and archaeological artifacts. You’ll also see frescoes by the Maestro of Santa Chiara and a polyptych by Niccolò di Liberatore, known as l’Alunno.

There’s also a Romanesque crypt beneath the cathedral that features original decorations and the symbols of the four evangelists.

Hike up to the Rocca Maggiore Fort.

Right on top of the hill, Rocca Maggiore is a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of Assisi and the surrounding countryside. Making it to the top is worthwhile but it’s going to take some effort. This is not a walk to take lightly in the heat, so wear comfortable shoes, and bring some water.

Originally built in the 12th century, this served as a fortress for both defense and control over the town. Over time, it transformed from a military stronghold to a residence for nobles, and eventually fell into ruins.

Take a nature walk to Eremo delle Carceri.

Assisi is a small and tightly packed city. Escape the bustle of the town and visit Eremo delle Carceri, a peaceful hermitage located in the woods on the slopes of Mount Subasio. This hermitage holds a special place in Assisi’s history, as it was a retreat for Saint Francis himself.

Saint Francis and his companions used this sacred space for contemplation and prayer. Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful paths and visit the small chapels and caves carved into the rock.

It’s located about 4 km from Assisi’s town center and the walk to involves a steep incline. Plan about an hour to get there, wear sturdy footwear and carry water. You can also use a local taxi—they’ll wait for you, but expect a round-trip fare of at least 40 Euros.

The hermitage itself is made up of small, rustic buildings blending into the surroundings. While the accommodations are simple, they provide an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle that Saint Francis and his followers embraced.

As you wander, there are nooks and quiet spots ideal for meditation and reflection.

Stop by the Basilica di Santa Chiara

Dedicated to Saint Clare, the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, the Basilica di Santa Chiara is an important religious site in Assisi. Admire the beautiful Gothic facade and the impressive rose window. Inside, you’ll find the saint’s tomb and a serene atmosphere that invites reflection.

Admire the beauty of the Porziuncola.

Located within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Porziuncola is a small chapel of immense significance. It is here that Saint Francis founded his order, the Franciscan Order.

The basilica also holds immense architectural beauty. The Porziuncola, a small chapel within the basilica holds a pivotal role in the Franciscan story. It’s within the walls of the Porziuncola that Saint Francis received his calling and founded the Franciscan Order. The atmosphere is palpably spiritual, making it a place where visitors can pause, reflect, and feel a deep connection to history.

Eat all of the Things

When it comes to eating, Assisi offers an array of traditional Umbrian dishes sure to satisfy any food lover. Regional cuisine has pretty hearty flavors compared to other areas of Italy, such as the savory torta al testo, a flatbread filled with cured meats, cheese, and fresh vegetables.

Sample the local pasta dishes, like strangozzi or umbricelli, served with rich sauces made from fresh ingredients like truffles or wild mushrooms. Don’t miss the chance to savor roasted meats, such as porchetta or game meats, paired with aromatic herbs.

And, of course, complement your meal with a glass of Umbrian wine, known for its robust character and distinct regional flavors.

Plan Your Visit to Assisi

On the whole, Assisi is a charming city on every level. The unique religious history is just one reason to visit, it’s also simply lovely. Tiny streets wind along the hillside, passing houses with windowsill flower boxed bursting with bright red, brilliant pink, a riot of spring colors.

Usually, the calm and relaxed vibe means that Assisi draws older tourists and those on bus tours across Italy. It’s not on the normal circuit. That’s why it’s refreshing as a change of pace, but also a bit pricier than cities with ample budget accommodation and food options.

That said, with the ongoing Jubilee Year and the recent canonization of Carlo Acutis, Assisi is experiencing a significant surge in visitors.

When to Explore

Wake up early and visit the major sites early in the morning, or opt for late afternoon when there is usually a lull.

Book a walking tour in advance for your first full day in town—it’s hands-down the best way to get acclimated so you can hit the ground running while exploring on other days.

Where to Stay

You must book accommodations well in advance or you’ll pay a fortune and maybe not even find space in the town center.

Onward Travel

Although some travelers venture on a day trip to Assisi from Rome, it’s worth staying a couple of days. That said, there’s a lot to see besides Assisi! Save time to pop into Pisa, visit the highlights in Florence, and then plan at least two nights in Cinque Terre—perhaps my favorite part of Italy. And for the truly adventurous, consider walking a week or two on the Camino de Santiago.

It was the perfect stop between Florence and our next misadventure in transportation, taking the ferry from Ancona to Split, Croatia—but that’s a story for another day.

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