Weekend in Assisi

A Roman temple from 1st century BC, now incorporated into a Baroque church. Six Corinthian columns remain from the original facade.

Tip: Quick visit — the interior is small. Look for the original Roman pavement through a glass panel near the altar. Best photo angle is from Piazza del Comune at golden hour.

A Gothic church housing the tomb of Saint Clare, with simple frescoes and a cross said to have spoken to Francis.

Tip: Visit during afternoon prayer (around 4pm) for a quiet moment — the crypt is less busy than the main basilica.

A 1st-century BC Roman temple facade on Piazza del Comune, now a Catholic church inside. The original six Corinthian columns and pediment survive. The interior is baroque but modest.

Tip: Stand across the square to take in the full temple facade – it’s the best preserved in Umbria. Free to enter; mass times mean it may close briefly.

13th-century church in pink-and-white striped stone, built over the tomb of Saint Clare. Inside, you can see the Crucifix that spoke to Saint Francis and a simple crypt.

Tip: Visit just before noon to hear the bells. The cloister garden is small but peaceful – few people linger there.

Gothic church built in the 13th century, housing the body of Saint Clare and a 13th-century crucifix that spoke to St Francis. The interior is simple but the white and pink stone facade stands out.

Tip: The underground crypt with Clare's remains is free and quiet – a good contrast to the crowds at San Francesco. Check opening times for the portico.

A 14th-century fortress on a hilltop offering panoramic views of Assisi and the Umbrian valley. The outer grounds are free.

Tip: Walk up the path from Piazza del Comune at sunset — the fortress exterior is free, and the view rivals the paid interior tour.

14th-century fortress on the hill above Assisi. The grounds and outer walls are free to walk around. You can climb to the battlements for panoramic views over the town and valley.

Tip: Go at sunset: the light on the stone and the valley below is stunning. The interior museum costs €5, but the free areas give you the same views.

Medieval fortress on top of Mount Subasio with wide views of Assisi and the Umbrian valley. Built in the 14th century, it has ramparts and towers you can climb.

Tip: The fortress grounds are free; the internal museum costs €3. Walk up from Piazza del Comune on Via S. Rufino – it's steep but short.

A UNESCO World Heritage site with two levels of fresco cycles by Giotto and Cimabue, plus the crypt of St Francis. Entry to the church itself is free.

Tip: Go before 9am to avoid tour groups. The Lower Basilica is quieter and the frescoes are easier to see without crowds.

A dual-level UNESCO World Heritage site with frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Upper basilica is light-filled; lower basilica holds the saint's tomb.

Tip: Go early (8:30 AM) to avoid queues. Photography is banned inside — put your phone away or risk a fine. Crypt is usually quieter after 4 PM.