Assisi: Cultural Landscape and History
Accommodation in Assisi
Assisi reveals itself as a travel destination through a long historical perspective. Assisi and its built-up area are an outstanding example of an Umbrian hill town and cultural landscape, whose historical layers have been preserved since antiquity. This connection between place and history is a good starting point for exploring: Roman remains and medieval churches represent different eras, while Assisi has also retained its spiritual significance.
Spiritual Centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Assisi continues to fulfil its medieval role as the spiritual centre of the Franciscan Order and an important Christian pilgrimage site. Since 2000, Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan sites have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This distinction therefore applies not just to a single building, but to several places associated with Assisi. If you are focusing your trip on religious history or cultural heritage, you will encounter both the enduring spiritual significance of the area and architectural landmarks from different periods.
Roman Traces in the Modern Cityscape
The Roman forum of the ancient city of Asisium lies beneath today’s Piazza del Comune. It is currently accessible through the crypt of the former church of San Niccolò, where Roman stone artefacts are on display. Check visitor information before your trip. Another example of Roman religious architecture is the so-called Temple of Minerva. It has been preserved to its full elevation and is one of the best-preserved and most easily understood examples of this architecture. At the forum, the ancient city can be located beneath today’s square, while the temple draws attention to the form of a Roman religious building.
Churches, Art and Architectural History
The Basilica of San Francesco consists of two churches, one above the other: the Lower Church and the Upper Church. Both contain decorative works by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and Jacopo Torriti. Its layout makes the two levels a starting point for appreciating the artworks in their respective church interiors, rather than viewing the basilica as a single space. The architectural history of the Basilica of Santa Chiara also dates back to the Middle Ages: work began in 1257 on the site of the church of San Giorgio, which was incorporated into the new structure. Assisi thus offers a view both of the reuse of an older church site and of the design of two churches built one above the other.
Rocca Maggiore and the Landscape
The ramparts and polygonal tower of Rocca Maggiore offer panoramic views across the Umbrian valley. The Museo della Rocca Maggiore complements the architectural perspective with medieval interiors and historic coats of arms. Those interested in the history of buildings will find several points of interest here: the form of the fortification, its views and the historical details on display. These aspects can be considered separately from the Roman and ecclesiastical themes without reducing Assisi’s layered history to a single era.
Paths and landscape also extend the view beyond the buildings. The Eremo delle Carceri can be reached on foot from Porta Cappuccini via Trail 350, along a 3.5-kilometre route. The Bosco di San Francesco near Assisi covers 64 hectares and has a history stretching back 800 years. Here, a specifically described walking route and a landscape with a long history sit side by side. Together with the Roman and medieval landmarks, these diverse themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay in Assisi.
Discover more destinations: Camporeggiano, Molinaccio, Fiore, San Secondo, Collestrada, Gualdo Tadino, Cascia, Nocera Umbra.
For the overview of the wider area: Perugia.
