Assisi City Walking Tour

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• Catholic Tours in Assisi
• Italy

Assisi City Walking Tour

Explore the history, sacred sites and medieval streets of Assisi on this Assisi City Walking Tour. Beginning outside the Basilica of St Francis, your expert local guide will introduce you to the life of the saint before leading you through the historic centre to the Basilica of St Clare.

The Basilica of St Francis

Your tour begins outside the magnificent Basilica of St Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s principal Catholic pilgrimage destinations. Your guide will explain the basilica’s Romanesque and Gothic architecture and introduce you to the life, death and enduring influence of St Francis of Assisi. You will also learn about the construction of the basilica during the 13th century and its importance within the history of the Franciscan Order. Please note that this walking tour examines the basilica from the outside. Those wishing to explore its Upper and Lower Basilicas, sacred frescoes and the tomb of St Francis may also be interested in our dedicated Basilica of St Francis tour.

Assisi’s Medieval Streets

From the basilica, you will walk through Assisi’s picturesque medieval streets towards the historic centre. Along the way, your guide will explain the history of the Stonemasons’ Guild and the former Pilgrims’ Hospital, which later became the town’s Grain Exchange. This walk provides an opportunity to experience Assisi’s well-preserved medieval character while learning about the pilgrims, artisans and institutions that shaped the city.

Piazza del Comune

The tour continues into Piazza del Comune, Assisi’s principal civic square. Here, your guide will show you the City Hall, medieval palaces and the ancient first-century BC Temple of Minerva, whose Roman façade survives as part of the later Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. You will also visit the Painted Vault Alley, where frescoes decorate the vaulted passage beside the square.

Chiesa Nuova

Continue to the Chiesa Nuova, built over the site traditionally identified as the family home of St Francis. Your guide will explain the church’s principal features and recount stories associated with the saint’s childhood and early life in Assisi.

The Basilica of St Clare

The final stop is the Basilica of St Clare, an important Catholic pilgrimage site dedicated to St Clare of Assisi. Inside the basilica, you will see the original San Damiano Crucifix. According to tradition, Christ spoke to St Francis through this crucifix and commanded him to rebuild His Church. Your guide will also explain the basilica’s architecture, sacred art and importance within the history of the Franciscan movement. This Assisi City Walking Tour brings together the lives of St Francis and St Clare with the city’s Roman heritage, medieval history and enduring Catholic spirituality. Read the Itinerary tab above for a summary of the places visited. You may also be interested in our shorter Basilica of St Francis Tour, our longer St Francis of Assisi Pilgrim Tour, or our full Assisi Day Tour for Pilgrims. For those who wish to take this tour as a day trip from Rome, please contact us so that we can offer transportation advice and assistance.

Plan your Catholic pilgrimage to Assisi

Choose the experience that best fits your time and pilgrimage purpose with the Crucis guide to planning a Catholic pilgrimage to Assisi. Pilgrims travelling before 10 January 2027 can also read the St Francis Jubilee guide.

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