Assisi - A Day Trip from Rome

Introduction

If you are looking for a day trip from Rome that combines history, art, and spirituality, Assisi is a perfect destination. Assisi is a medieval town in the Umbria region, famous for being the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare, two of the most influential saints in the Catholic Church. Assisi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its stunning architecture and cultural heritage.

Assisi is about 175 kilometers from Rome, and it takes around two hours to get there by car or train. You can also join a guided tour that includes transportation and visits to other nearby attractions, such as Orvieto or Lake Trasimeno.

Getting There

By Public Transport

The easiest way to reach Assisi by public transport is by train. You can take a regional train from Roma Termini station to Assisi station, which takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 12 euros one way. You can also take a high-speed train to Perugia or Foligno, and then change to a regional train to Assisi, which takes about 2 hours and costs around 30 euros one way.

Once you arrive at Assisi station, you can take a bus (line C) or a taxi to the town center, which is about 4 kilometers away. The bus runs every 30 minutes and costs 1.30 euros one way. The taxi costs around 15 euros.

You can check the train timetables and buy tickets online at Trenitalia.

By Car

If you prefer to drive to Assisi, you have several options for routes. The fastest route is via the E35 highway, which takes about 2 hours and covers 178 kilometers. The toll fee is around 10 euros one way. Another option is via the E45 highway, which takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes and covers 188 kilometers. The toll fee is around 8 euros one way. A third option is via Corso di Francia and E35, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and covers 181 kilometers. The toll fee is around 9 euros one way.

You can check the driving directions and traffic conditions online at Bing Maps.

Parking in Assisi can be challenging, as the town center is mostly pedestrianized and has limited spaces. The best option is to park at one of the public parking lots outside the town walls, such as Piazza Matteotti, Piazza Giovanni Paolo II, or Piazza San Pietro. The parking fee is around 1.50 euros per hour or 12 euros per day.

Top Attractions at Assisi

Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi

The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi is the most famous landmark of the town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of two churches, the Upper Church and the Lower Church, built over the tomb of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology. The Upper Church features frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and other masters of the 13th and 14th centuries, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis and the history of Christianity. The Lower Church houses the crypt with the saint's remains, as well as paintings by Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti.

Visitor tips: The basilica is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (8 p.m. in summer). Admission is free, but donations are welcome. You can also join a guided tour or an audio tour for a fee. Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a sacred place. Photography is not allowed inside the churches.

Rocca Maggiore

Rocca Maggiore is a medieval fortress that dominates the skyline of Assisi. It was built in the 12th century by Cardinal Albornoz, who wanted to assert his authority over the town. The fortress was later enlarged and strengthened by various rulers, including the Papal States and the Kingdom of Italy. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of Assisi and the surrounding countryside.

Visitor tips: The fortress is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (7 p.m. in summer). Admission is 5 euros for adults, 3 euros for children and seniors, and free for children under 6. You can also rent an audio guide for 2 euros. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as there are many steps to climb.

More Attractions

• Cathedral of San Rufino: The cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of Assisi, who was martyred here in the 3rd century. The façade features three rose windows and a Romanesque portal with sculptures of lions and griffins. The interior contains a baptismal font where St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized.
• Basilica of Santa Chiara: The basilica is dedicated to St. Clare, the founder of the Poor Clares order and a follower of St. Francis. The façade is decorated with pink and white stones, while the interior preserves the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis in San Damiano. The crypt contains the relics of St. Clare.
• Temple of Minerva: The temple is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Assisi. It was built in the 1st century BC and dedicated to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and arts. The façade has six Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment. The temple now houses a church dedicated to Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

Activities and Experiences

Walking Tour

A walking tour is a great way to explore the historic center of Assisi and learn about its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. You can join a group tour or book a private tour with a local guide who will show you the main sights and tell you stories and anecdotes about the town and its famous saints. You can also customize your tour according to your interests and preferences.

Cooking Class

A cooking class is a fun and delicious way to experience the local cuisine and culture of Assisi. You can learn how to make traditional dishes such as pasta, pizza, bread, cheese, and desserts, using fresh ingredients from the nearby farms and markets. You can also taste local wines and olive oils, and enjoy your meal with your instructor and fellow students.

Lesser Known Stories, Interesting Facts about Assisi

Assisi is not only known for its religious significance, but also for its artistic and literary legacy. Here are some lesser known stories and interesting facts about this charming town:

• The Wolf of Gubbio: According to legend, St. Francis tamed a ferocious wolf that was terrorizing the nearby town of Gubbio by talking to it and making peace between it and the townspeople. The wolf became docile and lived among them until its death.
• The Canticle of the Sun: St. Francis composed this poem, also known as the Canticle of the Creatures, in 1224, when he was suffering from a serious illness and blindness. It is considered one of the first works of literature in the Italian language, and expresses his love and gratitude for God and all his creation.
• The Pardon of Assisi: In 1216, St. Francis obtained from Pope Honorius III a special indulgence for those who visited the Porziuncola chapel, where he founded his order. The indulgence, also known as the Pardon of Assisi, grants the remission of all sins to those who confess and pray in the chapel on August 2nd or the preceding Sunday.