One Day in Assisi, Italy
It was straight out of a story book. Classic Italy, exactly as I’d imagined it. Here’s how we spent our one day in Assisi, Italy.
Just imagine a city built completely of the mountain’s rose stone. Every building, road, pathway, staircase and fountain throughout the city is made of the same thing. Imagine a small city that rests atop a mountain set in the middle of the never-ending green of the Italian countryside. The town escalates with the mountain, with different levels of houses all connected by staircases. At the top of a green hill at the end of the city sits a majestic church, surrounded by nothing but blue colored sky. This is the Italian city of Assisi, and the church is the Church of Saint Francis.
Now imagine this scene at sunset, with the sky painted pink and purple and orange, with birds flying off into the sun on the horizon. Look down the mountain through an opening between the houses and see the green fields bathed golden in the last rays of the sun’s light. Everything is so quiet, so serene, and so peaceful. It seems as though time freezes around the small city. Nothing can touch its divine beauty.
Assisi is the dream Italian town. It’s exactly what everyone pictures when they think of classic Italy. It’s located approximately halfway between Rome and Florence (if you travel inland a little), so if you’re ever in that area of Italy you must stop in to spend one day in Assisi. I’m so glad that we did.
How to Spend One Day in Assisi, Italy
Start your day at the Basilica di San Francesco
The Basilica di San Francesco is Assisi’s big claim to fame, and it’s a must see even with only one day in the city. The Basilica is made up of two cathedrals, an upper one filled with artwork and where services are held, and a lower one where you can descend to visit the crypt of Saint Francis. The architecture of the Basilica and art inside is reason enough to visit this gorgeous church, including the painting “28 frescoes,” which depicts the life of St Francis.
If you decide to go into the crypt, which is opened at scheduled times, don’t be alarmed to find both the living and the dead. The monks of the Basilica can often be seen down there in prayer and meditation.
My travel group was scheduled to see the tomb of Saint Francis, which is located in the bottom of the church at the top of the city. Unfortunately, we got there a little late in the evening and the tomb was closed, but to be honest, I wasn’t entirely heartbroken. Dark holes in the bottoms of churches that store bodies (even the body of a Saint) aren’t exactly my thing.
If you’re there on a Sunday morning, you can even attend an english-language service at 9a.m., which can be a beautiful cultural experience even if you aren’t religious.
Pop by the Ancient Tempio di Minerva
After a morning at the Basilica di San Francesco, head to the Piazza del Comune. There you will be transported back in time by some incredibly preserved temple columns. Originally built in the first century BC, the six Corinthian columns have been incredibly well preserved.
Now home to a church, the Tempio di Minerva is open to the public. If you peruse around inside, you’ll find an unexpected style. The church inside is designed in the Baroque style, so from outside to in you’ll be traveling through time. There’s also a little cafe inside if you need a quick pick-me-up coffee.
Grab gifts at Libreria Tipografia Zubboli
Before grabbing lunch, stop into the Libreria Tipografia Zubboli for some local souvenirs. Also located in Piazza del Comune, this little library won’t hold your typical tourist souvenirs. Open since 1870, you can find all kinds of local, hand-crafted stationery, journals, and books, including many that focus around Saint Francis and Assisi.
What truly makes this little local shop is the owner. Full of knowledge of the area and incredibly happy to help, he’ll be able to find you whatever you are looking for and so much more.
Grab a Lasagna Lunch at Trattoria Degli Umbri
If you only have one day in Assisi, you want to have the best food you can. This cute little restaurant has vintage stone vaulted dining rooms and simple, traditional food to die for. The wait staff are kind and have fantastic service.
Now, you may be thinking lasagna is a bit heavy for lunch, but trust me, it’s everyone’s favorite and runs out by dinner service.
Go Underground at the Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum
After lunch, explore the underside of the city. Starting at 2 Via Portica, descend under the Piazza del Comune to see the ancient Roman forum. You’ll walk through the crypt of the former church of Saint Nicolò, see all kinds of historic artifacts, walk along the foundation wall of the Temple of the Minerva, and enter into the original Roman forum turned Archaeological Museum.
Items in the museum date back to the second and third centuries B.C. The Museum is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, though if you are in Assisi on a different day you can call +39 075 8138680 to reserve your entrance!
Wander the Streets of Assisi
Frankly, one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences in Assisi is just wandering through the city on foot. Much of the upper city is closed off to cars, so you can zig zag through the stone streets and up and down staircases freely. Get lost if you can. Find cute shops and cafes that you’d have never seen on a strict itinerary. Look out over the city walls to the fields below and mountains in the distance.
Dinner at Le Terrazze di Properzio
Once you’ve had your share of walking, head back up towards the Basilica di San Francesco for your dinner spot. Le Terrazze di Properzio is a popular place, so definitely make reservations ahead of time, and be sure to request an outside patio table!
This traditional Italian restaurant is blessed with the most amazing views out over the valley. But don’t worry, you’re not just here for the view. The large menu sports a number of Italian and Umbrian fares that all have rave reviews, and a fantastic wine selection. Service there is second to none with the friendly staff and family atmosphere. This is a place you won’t want to miss.
Sunset in the Basilica di San Francesco Courtyard
After dinner (or before, depending on your reservation time), pop back over to the Basilica di San Francesco to watch the sunset from the courtyard. This is one of the most stunning views I have ever seen in my life. The orange and pink and purple sky descending over all the fields full of farm animals and grape vines, mountains blue in the distance, birds flocking across the clouds; the courtyard is the perfect vantage point to take in this scene.
Once the sun is down, feel free to wander around a bit more as the antique city’s lights come on and highlight the stone streets and walls. Some visitors have noted that walking Assisi at night was one of their favorite experiences there, and perfectly safe!
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