Located in the centre-east of Umbria, Assisi was founded on the slopes of Mount Subasio, which overlooks fields criss-crossed by the Topino and Chiascio rivers, both tributaries of the Tiber. The city is world renowned as the universal centre of the Franciscan message of peace and brotherhood, thanks to Saint Francis and Saint Clara. Here, where the saints' message of faith was born, visitors will experience an atmosphere of profound spirituality.
With the Basilica of Saint Francis in its historic centre and numerous Franciscan monuments and sites, Assisi is one of Italy's richest art destinations. The Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Santa Chiara are unforgettable. The latter stands in Piazza S. Chiara, which has 19th century terracing providing an incredible view of the valley. The building has horizontal stripes of white and red stone, a simple yet elegant façade, and the same floor plan as the Basilica Superiore of Saint Francis. The Cathedral of San Rufino is in Assisi's historic centre. Awarded the title of "cathedral" in 1036, its splendid Romanesque façade majestically adorns Piazza S. Rufino.
In the Piazza del Comune, the city's political and cultural centre, there are other important historic buildings, such as the Palazzo dei Priori, built in the mid-14th century, the 13th century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo with the Civica Tower and Minerva's Temple, a perfectly preserved Roman temple dating back to the late Republican period (1st century B.C.).
A holiday in Assisi is also a great chance to explore the surrounding area, where you can visit places from the life of Saint Francis like the Hermitage of the Carceri and the Convent of San Damiano, and let yourself be captivated by the natural beauty of Mount Subasio Regional Park. This protected nature area is criss-crossed by many well tended and marked trails. The road from Spello to Assisi is definitely worth travelling if you're in these parts as it's quite panoramic and permits you to cross the park by car to reach the top of the mountain. In the municipality of Spello, there are lodges and camp sites equipped with every comfort.
