Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi image

Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

Tourist attraction โ€ข Catholic church โ€ข Basilica

One of the Best Places To Visits in Assisi


Address

Piazza Inferiore di S. Francesco, 2, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy

Website

www.sanfrancescoassisi.org

Contact

+39 075 819001

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (39.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Francis (20) Assisi (20) basilica (17) visit (11) beautiful (10) Basilica (10) church (9) tomb (7) walk (7) Saint (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 w3kije t. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful church with an interesting history. It was built in the 13th century on a hill where death sentences were carried out, known as Hell's Hill. Later the name was changed to Paradise Hill (after the canonization of St. Francis). Here is the tomb of St. Francis. When visiting the basilica, it is worth strolling the streets of Assisi. However, only 8 km away (approx. 20 minutes by car) there is another Basilica with an atmospheric, tiny church inside, rebuilt by St. Francis.
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Carole D. 1 year ago on Google
    A tranquil beautiful place. The building was quite overwhelming in its quiet magnificence. So disappointed not to be able to take photos but totally understood. The ceilings around the altar are so breathtaking in their beauty. The architecture and different painted scenes are complex and overwhelming in the skill seen. Some of the best I have witnessed in my journey to Rome and Assissi. Italy's architectural gifts are blessed. The crypt where the remains of St Francis lies is small well lit staffed and busy. There are pews to rest upon to enjoy moments of quiet reflection and candles can be purchased which are lit after one's departure. The views from outside the Basilica are far reaching and splendid. A place to hold in the heart.
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 John A. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful sanctuary, it is really amazing to walk around and see how beautiful it is inside. It has high and lower levels. In the lower level, you can find the tomb of Saint Francis de Assisi. It was the most spiritual place I visited recently. There is also a shop downstairs you need to go straightforward up to the end of the high level then take the stairs to go down. To find the Basilica you have to walk 15 minutes but there are a lot of shops around and restaurants, a good tip is to go early in the morning to enjoy the place and walk through the medieval small roads. You can find parking inside the town or outside in the public parking. Really amazing place!
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Donato A. M. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed walking the streets of the little village of Assisi. Assisi was the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in 1208. Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi was where St. Francis was born and died. The Basilica consists of an upper and lower sanctuary, where St. Francis is buried. The church is decorated with gorgeous geometric designs, frescoes painted in many colors, some with gold stars on a blue painted background. The best is to hire a private guide, and I recommend this, to understand the historical significance of this holy site, but I used my phone to get the right info.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Glen Mc C. 10 months ago on Google
    Assisi is one of the most peaceful places on earth! The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi isn't one of the most beautiful basilicas in the world but you can feel the spirit of St. Francis overwhelm you! Make sure to visit his tomb located in the lower level. This is where you can feel his presence the most. The artwork throughout the upper church is astounding. Make sure to visit the gift shop. One of the best located at a basilica in Italy, especially if you are looking for something unique featuring St. Francis or St. Clare.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Katy Z D. 1 year ago on Google
    It was an absolute joy visiting this basilica! To be within the same grounds where St. Francis used to walk was awesome. And when I got to pay my respects by visiting his final resting place I broke down and cried (but in a good way). The architecture is awe inspiring, and the frescos are a thing of beauty. Different than what you see in the Sistine Chapel, with a charm all its own. To put it simply - this is a wonderful place to visit!
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Hugo P. 2 years ago on Google
    This cathedral is an awe-inspiring place! All the frescos by Giotto are masterpieces. The place is steeped into history, religion and significance. Well worth the daily trip from Rome.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 MOHE F. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a holy and magnificent cathedral to visit. This was one of the most emotional visits. You can feel the presence of the saints in this cathedral. You feel safe and peaceful. Itโ€™s full of valuable objects from the ancient times. I wished that we all could be like Saint Francesco!
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Michele F. 1 year ago on Google
    Can't take pictures inside so I had to take a few on the sly so you dont have to. Beware of the monks which have many eyes and will catch you. My grandma said that the cobalt blue of the giotto frescos is not as fresh as it was when it was restored after the earthquake but such is life!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Cody P. 1 year ago on Google
    This church was a wonder to visit. We visited for about 45 minutes, saw the tomb as well, and felt that that was ample time, though some could dedicate hours to admire all of the murals plastered all over the walls and ceilings - so much fine detail itโ€™s unreal. No pictures were allowed inside but it was free to enter.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Brittany (Britt Off The B. 6 months ago on Google
    Arriving to Assisi in the night when everything is black and the basilica radiates the sky is majestic. Immediately I knew that Iโ€™d stay longer than 1 night and so I did, with 0 regrets. I made the journey up the hill twice during my late October stay; Once in the morning and once at night. At this time of year, you can easily have the grounds to yourself before 9am and after dark; just the occasional local walking their dog. The stillness is pure poetry. Just keep climbing higherโ€ฆthe views from the balcony will leave you stunned.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ryan F. 11 months ago on Google
    This is a beautiful and sacred basilica, more so than most other similar places in Italy. You were told not to take photos while inside, but there was a lot of gorgeous art and craftsmanship all around. When I went in 2016, this basilica was much less busy than most others in the larger cities, which made it much easier to take in the holy atmosphere and the hallowed location. On my tour we even got to go to the lower areas, it was all so interesting. If you have the time or are in Assisi, this is not an experience to miss!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Zhiyong S. 1 year ago on Google
    Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi is located in high land of Assisi. With a great view. Space in this building is occupied with elegence and wisedom. To better enjoy the beauty of the basilica, I would suggest a person go there at least three moments: noon time for the strongest light of a spring day, closing hour for the wind of a May day, and 3:15 pm of a deep autumn.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Erik Hagen N. 9 months ago on Google
    The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a truly awe-inspiring place. The architectural beauty and grandeur of the basilica are simply breathtaking. The spiritual atmosphere and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a profound and moving experience. A remarkable testament to the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lara H. 5 months ago on Google
    The most Serene place I have ever visited. Embedded in the beauty of Umbria. Beautiful church with amazing views. Make sure you visit the upper and lower churches.

  • 5/5 Jovin Vishwas S. 5 months ago on Google
    The Basilica of St Francis Assisi gave me one of the most unique experiences in life. The very moment we arrive at Assisi, we find the divine feeling there. The church and campus and nature all have blended well. We could feel how the saint must have lived there. It is worth visiting again and again. Praying at the tomb of the Saint gives us an unforgettable experience.

  • 5/5 Hector G. 8 months ago on Google
    Is a marvelous Basรญlica with the tomb of St Francis of Assisi. The panoramic view outside of Basรญlica is spectacular. The Town of Assis is epic. Hidden for almost 600 years, St Francis' tomb was discovered beneath the Basilica di San Francesco in 1818 following a 52-day dig, and painstakingly restored in 2011.

  • 5/5 Elsa F. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful basilica with a lot to see and learn. I recommend to get some kind of tour so you truly appreciate the frescoes and the story behind it. It's amazing! Oh yeah, can't take pics of the inside and must be dressed modestly so please keep that in mind.

  • 5/5 AzureJedi 6 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful and tranquil place. I especially love the lower basilica and the early morning mass with so many priests. Make sure to walk upstairs to the upper basilica and the crypt.

  • 5/5 Localizer 10 months ago on Google
    A historic and amazing basilica, obviously a must visit while you are in Assisi. Must visit both the Inferiore (lower) and Superiore (upper) basilica areas. The Inferiore piazza is quite large as captured in these pictures. The basilica superiore is so peaceful and serene, true to the nickname of Assisi, the city of peace, no wonder a UNESCO a World heritage site. If you have only a day to spend here, would recommend visiting the basilica in the evening hours, as you can make a the most the most out of it with the spectacular views during the sunset hours from up top of the whole area and the valley.

  • 5/5 Milana S. 11 months ago on Google
    This basilica is a must-see. Giotto frescoes in the upper church. Truly magical

  • 5/5 Bill 11 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful place to visit, the history and architecture is magnificent. Very busy, but you have the opportunity to take a seat for some quiet reflection.The views are magnificent.

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 10 months ago on Google
    Meaningful experience in a breathtaking setting. Grateful to have seen this basilica and recognize/learn more about a very special saint.

  • 5/5 Enrico C. 10 months ago on Google
    This was my second time to come here, and the experience is surreal. The serenity of the place, the architecture to marvel at, everything comes together. A place to go for the religious. Take time to visit and reflect on the life of Saint Francis.

  • 5/5 Munir A. 1 year ago on Google
    I would say Assisi is the most beautiful town of Italy ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น. It is small, but every street is worth walking to. You can easily travel on train directly from either Florence/Perugia or Rome and I will highly recommend to walk from train station to actual town as it is 25-30 minutes by walk. But you will get the good view of town from far away and you will find the name of people on pavement tiles, when asked from a local he said this pavement was constructed by people's donation and these names are of those doners. Go and explore beautiful Assisi ๐Ÿ˜

  • 4/5 Wadad L. 1 year ago on Google
    Assissi is a very nice village in Italy. If you like to know more about St Francis you should visit this place where he lived the biggest part of his life.

  • 5/5 Hartmut P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the heart of Assisi, and the three churches together with the cloister are all masterpieces. You need to be well prepared or take a guide to fully understand the importance of the artwork. And of the religious importance. The middle church is clearly the most important due to tue frescoes from Giotto, even though Francis is buried in the lowest.

  • 5/5 Caroline M. 1 year ago on Google
    We went here to light a candle for our missing cat and ask for her safe return. The cathedral is beautiful so peaceful. The woods too are peaceful we loved the Peace bell


Call +39 075 819001 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli image
1
Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Basilica
Vast, 16th-century domed church where St Francis founded his order, with a history & art museum.
4.80 (23.1K reviews)
Basilica di Santa Chiara image
2
Basilica di Santa Chiara
Basilica
13th-century church with a striking pink-&-white facade housing the tomb of St Clare.
4.70 (10.5K reviews)
Eremo delle Carceri image
3
Eremo delle Carceri
Shrine
Wooded, hillside hermitage & oratory dating from the 13th century, where St Francis came to pray.
4.80 (5.2K reviews)
Cathedral of San Rufino image
4
Cathedral of San Rufino
Cathedral
13th-century church with ornate friezes & statutes, plus the font where St Francis was baptized.
4.60 (4.3K reviews)
Rocca Maggiore image
5
Rocca Maggiore
Fortress
Large, dramatic medieval fortress with panoramic views & historical relics on display.
4.50 (4K reviews)
Last updated:
()