Sightseeing in Assisi - what to see. Complete travel guide

The history of the city started approximately one thousand years BC. Modern Umbrian people are the first settlers in the area. However, the region started developing only in the 5th century when Etruscans claimed this part of the country. Only one year later, the calm life of the town ended as Roman troops entered Assisi. The Romans named the town Assisium. Later, the name changed to the form that we know now. Local people became Christians in the 3rd century, and the town’s bishop – Rufinus of Assisi – actively participated in this.
The 13th and 14th centuries were also important for Assisi. Many sacral buildings appeared in the town at that time. After that, the population of Assisi had to endure many troubles and tough periods including the civil war in Italy and Napoleon’s invasion. The town has managed to survive and become an interesting tourist destination.

In the Piazza del Comune, tourists can see the Temple of Minerva, a gorgeous landmark of the antique period. The temple was built in the 1st century BC. Its intricate details tell us that this is a very old building. The year of 1282 gave the town Palazzo del Capitano or the Captain’s Palace. The palace was built for military needs. Palazzo dei Priori or the Palace of the Priors is located nearby. It took two centuries (XIII-XV) to build it.

As it was mentioned before, the Cathedral of San Rufino is one of the main attractions of the town. The cathedral got its name after Saint Rufinus. Historians carefully studied records but couldn’t find out the exact date when the cathedral had been built. According to one source, the relics of the saint were brought to the building at the beginning of the fifth century, and some records state that the relics were brought in the eighth century. Only one historical fact doesn’t raise any questions – the church got the cathedral status in the 11th century.

These are not all attractions that Assisi can offer to its guests. There is an interesting church museum near the exit where visitors can look at paintings and other artifacts of the 14th and 15th centuries. The terracotta sculpture named Our Lady of Sorrows is a unique relic of the region. Besides it, visitors can see an ancient organ and the most interesting – relics of Saint Rufinus with ancient stones.

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City tours, excursions and tickets in Assisi and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Assisi
♥ Castle 'Rocca Maggiore' Assisi, 0.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castelbuono di Bevagna' Bevagna, 14.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castello di Monterone' Perugia, 16.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castello di Petroia' Gubbio, 18.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Rocca Paolina' Perugia, 19.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Rocca Maggiore' Assisi, 0.5 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Castelbuono di Bevagna' Bevagna, 14.4 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Castello di Monterone' Perugia, 16.8 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Castello di Petroia' Gubbio, 18.6 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Rocca Paolina' Perugia, 19.2 km from the center. On the map


National and city parks around Assisi
♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale dei Monti Sibillini' , 40.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga' , 96.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna' , 121.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise' , 170 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale dei Monti Sibillini' , 40.4 km from the center. On the map


♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga' , 96.4 km from the center. On the map


♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna' , 121.6 km from the center. On the map


♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise' , 170 km from the center. On the map


Art galleries in Assisi and around
♥ Art museum 'Galleria Nazionale dell Umbria' Perugia, 19.3 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Galleria Nazionale dell Umbria' Perugia, 19.3 km from the center. On the map


Sights around Assisi from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Cascata delle Marmore
From the series “Most Fanciful Waterfalls of the Planet”
Check on the map:
Distance from Assisi center - 58.1 km.
In the prehistoric era, the Velino river formed a vast, swampy area. According to local residents, it was the cause of the spread of serious diseases. The construction of the canal for water diversion began in 271 BC on the orders of Manius Curius Dentatus. Over time, the canal has become worthless. The artificial waterfall the contemporaries see today was built in the Middle Ages. As early as the 18th century, this picturesque area began to attract travellers. Next to the waterfall, the first small bridges and viewing platforms were built. …
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Underground Orvieto
From the series “Unbelievable Underground Mini-Cities”
Check on the map:
Distance from Assisi center - 57.1 km.
The most valuable found was the prehistorical tombs. Etruscan had made a lot of necropoleis. Underground Orvieto is one of the most explored underground cities in the world. There were found hundreds of historical artefacts: ancient jars, funeral merchandises, weapon and Etruscan household items. Orvieto has a wonderful excursion around its undergrounds for travellers. During the excursion, it is possible to take photos and make videos for free. …
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Travel Industry is Expected to Grow in China in 2021
Not only hotels in Beijing or Shanghai will benefit from this but also many destinations around the world as the Chinese like to travel. In 2021, there has been a spike in international departures of more than 200% in China. The total number of departures reached 30 million. Of course, this is far away from the pre-covid levels the country is expected to reach them by 2023. The forecast looks very promising: 88 million international departures (+108%) in 2022 and another +44% in 2023. The forecast is positive despite the restrictions during the Chinese New Year period caused by the outbreak of the disease in the Hebei and Heilongjiang provinces.
Read this
09.03.2021
Not only hotels in Beijing or Shanghai will benefit from this but also many destinations around the world as the Chinese like to travel. In 2021, there has been a spike in international departures of more than 200% in China. The total number of departures reached 30 million. Of course, this is far away from the pre-covid levels the country is expected to reach them by 2023. The forecast looks very promising: 88 million international departures (+108%) in 2022 and another +44% in 2023. The forecast is positive despite the restrictions during the Chinese New Year period caused by the outbreak of the disease in the Hebei and Heilongjiang provinces.

09.03.2021
Search touristic sites on the map of Assisi

