Assisi

💡 Pilgertipps

• Saint Francis died on 3 October 1226 — the 800th anniversary in 2026 makes Assisi the major Catholic pilgrimage destination of the year. The Year of Saint Francis events run throughout 2026, with the principal feast 3-4 October 2026 hosting international gatherings.
• The Basilica of Saint Francis is two churches stacked: the Lower Basilica (1228, with Cimabue and Giotto frescoes), and the Upper Basilica (1253, with the famous Giotto cycle of the Saint Francis Legend). The Crypt of Saint Francis (where the saint's tomb is) is on the lower-lower level.
• Carlo Acutis was canonised on 7 September 2025 at Assisi by Pope Leo XIV — the first millennial saint. His tomb is at the Shrine of the Renunciation (Santuario della Spogliazione) near the Cathedral of San Rufino. Bring teenage and young adult pilgrims here.
• The Porziuncola (Saint Mary of the Angels, the tiny 9th-century chapel where Francis founded the Franciscan Order) is enclosed within the much larger 16th-century Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli — 4 km below Assisi, on the plain. Indulgence available 1-2 August (Porziuncola Indulgence) and All Souls' Day.
• Saint Clare's basilica (Basilica di Santa Chiara) holds the original San Damiano Crucifix (the cross that spoke to Francis 'Rebuild my Church'). Clare's incorrupt body lies in the crypt. The Poor Clares of Assisi still celebrate the daily Office here.
• Climb to the Rocca Maggiore (the medieval fortress above Assisi) at sunset for the great panoramic view over the Spoleto valley — the landscape Francis knew when composing the Canticle of the Creatures.
• Walk down to the Hermitage of the Carceri (4 km uphill from Assisi, in the forest) — the cave where Francis retreated for prayer. The 90-minute walk through the Subasio woods is itself a meditation. The site is austere and largely silent.