Assisi boasts a fascinating and ancient history, stretching back thousands of years. While it’s world-renowned as the spiritual home of Saint Francis and a center of Franciscan heritage, the town is also rich in historical and artistic treasures. The number of remarkable monuments and sites here is truly impressive.
Geographically, Assisi sits on the northwestern slopes of Mount Subasio, slightly elevated above the northern part of the Umbrian Valley.
Vacation in Assisi: What to See
If you’re planning a trip to Assisi, you’ll find plenty to explore—whether you’re staying for a short visit (and want to focus mainly on the town itself) or you have more days to discover the beautiful surroundings.
Your perfect starting point could be a charming farmhouse in Assisi with pool; here you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing getaway: green open spaces, tranquility away from the bustle of city life, lots of room for children to play outdoors, a stunning swimming pool, and a SPA for unwinding after a day spent wandering through the streets of Assisi or other enchanting Umbrian towns.
If your stay is short, it’s best to concentrate on Assisi itself, located just 6 km from your accommodation. Top sights include the Basilica di Santa Chiara, the San Rufino Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheater, Piazza del Comune, and of course, the Basilica of Saint Francis. Even just strolling through the old town is a delight—the historic center of Assisi is truly beautiful. Don’t forget your camera, as there are countless photo opportunities.
If you have more time, plan your holiday to discover several remarkable destinations across Umbria, many just a short distance from Assisi.
About 20 km from Assisi, you’ll find the regional capital, Perugia, a city with a multi-millennial past. The best way to visit is to set out early after a hearty breakfast at your farmhouse. There’s a lot to see, so bring a good guidebook or use your smartphone to plan your itinerary—you’ll only be able to explore a fraction of its monuments on a single day. One visit won’t be enough!
A recommended stop is Bastia Umbra, located between Perugia and Assisi along the Chiascio river. Only 15 minutes by car from Assisi, this town’s origins date back to Roman times, although it flourished mainly during the Middle Ages.
Just 20 minutes’ drive from Assisi, you can reach the stunning Spello, included for years in the official list of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.” It sits picturesquely on a rocky spur of Mount Subasio.
Other nearby highlights worth visiting include Montefalco, Bevagna, Rasiglia, and Trevi—all easy to reach while staying in Assisi.
