Assisi Travel Guide: Basilica of San Francesco, Calendimaggio, Festa di San Francesco and Monte Subasio

Assisi sits below Monte Subasio, with Umbria International Airport 11 miles (18 km) away, halfway between Perugia and the town. It suits pilgrims and anyone who wants the Basilica of San Francesco at the center of a trip, along with festivals and a walkable old town.

The historic center is mostly a Limited Traffic Zone and is closed to cars without a permit, so the last stretch is made on foot or by bus. 2026 is also the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis.

At a glance

• Airport: Umbria International Airport, 11 miles (18 km) from Assisi
• Train: Santa Maria degli Angeli station, then bus line C to the historic center
• By car: the historic center is mostly a ZTL, closed to traffic
• Best season: highs of 72°F (22°C) in May and 81°F (27°C) in June
• Main sight: the Basilica of San Francesco
• Big date: Festa di San Francesco on October 4

Where is Assisi and what is it like?

Assisi is in Umbria. The nearest airport, Umbria International, lies halfway between Perugia and Assisi, 11 miles (18 km) from the town.

The center is mostly closed to cars, which sets the pace of a visit.

In 2026 Assisi marked 800 years since the death of St. Francis. The Basilica of San Francesco houses the Lower Church, the Upper Church and the Tomb.

What is there to do in Assisi?

Basilica of San Francesco

The basilica holds the Lower Church, the Upper Church, the Tomb, the Sacro Convento, the Library and archive, and the Museo del Tesoro. Plan a long visit, since there are several parts to see.

The closest car park is the Saba Giovanni Paolo II car park, on Viale Guglielmo Marconi at Piazza Giovanni Paolo II. Drivers can leave the car there and walk, because the center is mostly a ZTL.

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is a separate sanctuary, in a hamlet of Assisi.

Museums and municipal halls

The Museo Diocesano and the crypt of San Rufino are among the places of Assisi. The Galleria Le Logge, the Palazzo del Capitano del Perdono and the Palazzo Monte Frumentario are municipal halls in the town.

The official tourist website also sorts the sights into religious, Roman, medieval and Renaissance buildings, museums, theaters, and castles and fortresses. That gives a clear way to choose by taste.

Festivals from summer to autumn

UNTO is the event for extra virgin olive oil, with guided tours and tastings.

The Festa di San Francesco takes place on October 4. March for Peace is one of the major, best attended events in Umbria.

If you come for faith and history, choose the basilica and the Festa. If you come for food, UNTO fits. Travelers who want to drive into the old center will like it less, since the ZTL limits cars.

Where to stay in Assisi

Assisi has religious guesthouses close to the sights. The Suore Francescane Angeline house, on Via Metastasio 18 in the historic center, is about 1,000 feet (300 m) from the Basilica of San Francesco. Pro Civitate Christiana, on Via Ancajani 3, is another religious house.

The Angeline sisters welcome tourists and pilgrims, with single, double and triple rooms, all with private bath. Stays come with breakfast, or with half board or full board.

Cars may reach hotels only to load and unload luggage, for a maximum of 60 minutes.

How do you get to Assisi and get around?

The nearest airport is Umbria International Airport, 11 miles (18 km) from Assisi and halfway between Perugia and the town. From the north by car, take the A14 and exit at Cesena (150 km from Assisi), then follow the E45 toward Perugia. From the A1, exit at Valdichiana. From the south, exit the A14 at Civitanova Marche or the A1 at Orte.

The station is on the Foligno to Terontola line, at Santa Maria degli Angeli, Piazza Dante Alighieri. From there, bus line C goes to the historic center.

The center is mostly a ZTL, and a car cannot enter without a permit. All-electric vehicles can access and park in the zone. The ZTL changes with the seasons.

Park at the Saba Giovanni Paolo II car park, the closest to the Basilica of San Francesco, and walk from there.

When should you go to Assisi?

Late spring and early fall are comfortable for walking the hill town. Highs reach 72°F (22°C) in May and 81°F (27°C) in June. September tops out at 75°F (24°C), and October at 65°F (18°C).

July and August are hotter, with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C). Summer suits visitors who can cope with the heat in the afternoon.

In January the high is 46°F (8°C), so winter visits need warm layers.

What to know before visiting Assisi

The U.S. State Department says U.S. citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days without a tourist or business visa.

• Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. A 6-month validity is recommended, with 2 blank pages for the entry stamp.
• You will need proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.
• The currency limit is 10,000 euros on entry and on exit, or equivalent.
• Travelers visiting for tourism up to 90 days must fill out a “dichiarazione di presenza”.
• The Embassy of Italy is at 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. +1 (202) 612-4400. Its consular office is open by appointment only.