ST. FRANCIS BASILICA AND THE HOLY CLOISTER

The basilical complex is formed by two churches superposed.:
the lower church (1230-1253) where there is a crypt dug in 1818
with the tomb of St.Francis and the upper church (1228-1230).

Right outside the lower church there is the lower square,
beautifuly bounded by arches dated 1400.
On top of the portal there are three rose windows.
The lower church has been decorated by the biggest painters there were
in year 1200 – 1300 : Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti, Simone Martini. Beautiful
are also the stained-glass window of Giovanni di Bonino and Puccio Capanna.

The upper church is formed by a single nave and its walls are enriched by Giotto’s frescos, which are a representation of St.Francis’s life. There are even works of Cimabue, Cavallini, Torriti.
In the holy convet it is possible to admire the Treasure with the illuminated code, paintings, relics, arras, the excellent Perkin’s collection.

NEW CHURCH

Built in 1615 on the ruins of a house considered St.Francis paternal home. In the Oratory of San francesco Piccolino it is also supposed the Saint to be born.

ST. RUFINO’S CATHEDRAL

The suggestive roman façade of this church (1140) is enriched by three rose windows and symbolical sculptures.
The interior, restored in the XVI century, contains the font where St.Francis and St.Claire were baptized.
Interesting are the Holy Chapel, the wooden chair,
the roman cistern.

BASILICA OF ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS

The huge basilica , built between 1568 – 1679 from a plan of Alessi , has a beautiful dome.
Inside the construction there is the Porziuncola, the first franciscan convent ever and the place where St. Claire received the franciscan habit from St.Francis.
Inside there also is the Cappella del Transito ( where St.Francis died the 3 – 10 – 1226 ) decorated by Spagna’s frescos.
In the lateral chapels of the Basilica there are precious paintings of the XVI – XVII century and on a side of the basilica there’s the Rose Garden Chapel, completely frescoed by Tiberio d’Assisi.
In the museum there are images of  Maestro di St.Francesco, of Giunta Pisano and others.

SAN DAMIANO

Sanctuary built where St.Francis heard the voice of Jesus and where he composed the Canticle of Creatures.
Found still intact the convent that St. Claire.

CHURCH OF S. STEFANO

Built in the XIII century is in one of the most suggestive corners of the town.

CHURCH OF ST. MARY MAJOR

Built on a roman temple, was the first cathedral in Assisi.

ST. PETER’S CHURCH

Dated XI – XIII century, its elegant façade and original dome is situated on top of the raised presbytery.
Contains the Contemporary Holy Art Gallery of the Italian Cittadella.

MINERVA’S TEMPLE

In the medieval look of the square of Piazza del Comune stands out the elegant and classical façade of the temple, composed by six columns , Corinthian capitals and a roman sanctuary of the I century a.D.
During the XIV century the interior was transformed in a typical baroccan style church.

GREAT FORT

The severe fort dominates the town and the entire valley from the top of the hill.
Here Federico Barbarossa and young Friederick II were hosted.
Destroyed during the XII century, was rebuilt on the foundation of the already existing fort in year 300 from cardinal Albornoz and a small fort was added too.

SANCTUARY OF RIVOTORTO

Preserves the Holy Hovel of St. Francis in memory of the first franciscan community.