Assisi and St Francis

Lara Piccioli tells us about the medieval town of Assisi, St Francis and the collection of walking holidays and cycling holidays that we offer in this beautiful part of Umbria.

It may be said that no other saint is more ‘current’ than St Francis of Assisi. He is the patron saint of Italy and an environmentalist – well ahead of his time!

He was the son of a rich textile merchant but decided to give up all of his wealth in order to aid the poor as well as those inflicted with leprosy. He was also the author of The Canticle of the Creatures, written in 1224 and considered to be one of the most important works of traditional Italian literature. Everything in Assisi, every single brick, speaks of Francis.

When you arrive in Assisi, what captures your attention, apart from the beautiful setting of this medieval, pink stone town, is the imposing Basilica of St. Francis. A must-see Gothic building, it was built in 1228 on behalf of Pope Gregorius IX and was completed 35 years later in 1253. In 2000, the Basilica, along with the entire medieval town of Assisi was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church houses world-class frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and Pietro Cavallini.

In the medieval Piazza del Comune, you can admire the Minerva Temple dating back to the 1st century, a real gem of ancient art. This square is also the epicentre of the town’s Calendimaggio celebration, a medieval festival of pagan origin, which honours spring, and the renewal of the cycle of life with a colourful display of theatre, dancing and singing in full medieval dress. The young St. Francis was renowned for his poetry reciting and elegant singing during this event. Be prepared for much drinking, dancing and singing if visiting at the time of the festival, which is usually held in the first week in May (this can change from year to year so be sure to double check).

Another place of interest close to Assisi is the blessed Eremo delle Carceri, perched 4 km above Assisi on Monte Subasio, in a tranquil area of natural beauty. This small hermitage is located by the cave in which – in 1205/06 – St. Francis used to pray with his followers. Carceri means ‘prison’ and the name derives from the fact that the devout isolated themselves to pray.

Assisi is not just a town for profound religious tours; it is full of excellent restaurants and bars where you can sit quietly while sipping a real espresso. You can also take part in some entertaining people watching!

Although the town has been infiltrated by one too many religious shops, it still preserves its unique medieval character, and hosts some stunning architecture. Starting in Spoleto, walking via picturesque hilltop towns, fine Umbrian landscapes, and finally over Monte Subasio – for a dramatic approach in the footsteps of St Francis, ATG’s Way to Assisi Escorted trip, and Umbria & Assisi Independent route end here in Assisi, a fitting end to an enriching ATG walking experience!

If you are interested in a walking or cycling holiday that visits Assisi take a look at the options below:

Escorted Walking Holidays
Way to Assisi
Assisi Christmas

Footloose Walking Holidays
Umbria and Assisi

Freewheeling Cycling Holidays
Umbria and Assisi

Take a look at Lara’s other blogs
Flavours of the Gargano
The Abbeys of Umbria