Pilgrimage to Assisi – A Guide to Saints Francis and Carlo Acutis
The Hallowed Way Guide to Assisi
Our first pilgrimage to Assisi followed our walk to Rome, the Via Francigena. Having a rental car allowed us to hit a few more pilgrimage sites before going home, and Assisi was at the top of that list. Taking a short break after the twists and curves of the Apennine mountains, we pulled off the road next to a creek. The trout rising to take mayflies off of the surface and a nearby sign informing local hunters of the boar season, reminded me of our mountain West. I felt at home.
Arriving at the perfect time, golden hour, Assisi rose on the slopes of Monte Subasio with the several campanili (bell towers) jutting above the wall of the medieval old city. We wondered which church contained the tomb of Saint Francis.
The GPS guided us into the old town, into the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), to our hotel just a hundred yards from the Basilica di Santa Chiara (Saint Clare). Luckily, our host helped us find a legal parking spot, and we left the car there for the duration.
Since then, we’ve been to Assisi many times. Most recently, to visit the tomb of Saint Carlo Acutis after his canonization. We hope to visit Assisi again later this jubilee year commemorating the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis. Our plan is to walk from Rome, but more on that as we approach his feast day.
Assisi is very safe for solo pilgrims, and we hope this guide is useful for your planning. If doing a group pilgrimage is more your style, we recommend either The Catholic Traveler or 206 Tours.
Assisi - Getting There
The closest airport (PEG) is in nearby Perugia. This serves a handful of European routes. Most pilgrims arrive in Assisi from Rome or Florence and connect via the excellent Italian rail system.
Arriving by Rail
Trains depart from Roma Termini and Firenze Santa Maria Novella, typically taking between two and three hours. Upon arriving at the Assisi train station in Santa Maria degli Angeli, catch a local bus or taxi for the 3-mile (5 km) trip into the medieval center.
When booking through Trenitalia, we recommend selecting the “Assisi Link” ticket. This integrated fare includes both the rail journey and the synchronized orange bus (Linea C) that climbs the steep incline to Piazza Matteotti or the Piazza Giovanni Paolo II near the Basilica.
If arriving by train, or other transport, definitely plan at least a couple of hours for the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, a must visit for Assisi. This is the location of the Porziuncola, and only a 10 minute walk from the train station.
Useful transport apps for Assisi
The Moovit app works with both Apple and Android devices, and gives you real-time scheduling information about Linea C and other bus routes. Its very handy to find the next bus for your destination.
Unfortunately, neither Uber nor Lyft operate in Assisi, but AppTaxi operates similarly (not ride-sharing per se, but hails taxis and handles payments).
Rome2Rio and Google Maps are excellent for route planning & timing as well.
The Flexibility of a Car
We prefer reaching Assisi by car for flexibility to visit sites outside the walls—such as the Eremo delle Carceri or the Porziuncola—and because it permits exploration of the amazing nearby towns (see below).
Driving also allows you to dictate the length of your stay without the constraints of a train schedule. However, because the historic center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), visitors must utilize parking garages at the city’s perimeter.
- Parcheggio Saba Giovanni Paolo II: The most convenient choice for those visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis.
- Parcheggio Saba Mojano: Offers an escalator link directly into the heart of the town near the Piazza del Comune.
- Parcheggio Porta Nuova: Located near the Basilica of Saint Clare, providing easy access to the eastern side of the city. (One fun thing about Italy, the Porta Nuova – or New Gate – was built in 1365!)
Local Taxi Services
For those without a vehicle, taxis are available at the train station and designated stands at Largo Properzio and Piazza Matteotti. We suggest downloading the AppTaxi mobile application to summon a driver, particularly for the 4 km (2.5 mile) journey up Mount Subasio to the Hermitage.
Whether arriving by rail or road, the first glimpse of the limestone walls of the Basilica glowing against the mountain remains a profound introduction to the home of Saint Francis.
Where to Stay in Assisi
As they say, location, location, location. This is especially true for visiting Assisi. Assisi has several things in abundance, people, hills, and medieval charm. Finding the right balance for your stay is important.
Lower Town (near the Basilica)
While Saint Francis is the primary draw to Assisi, the corridor between his Basilica and Piazza del Comune becomes quite busy during the day. Most of these huge crowds are day-trippers, meaning the area quiets down significantly in the evening. This is also a more flat (relatively speaking) portion of Assisi, so if hills are a challenge, this might be your location. I say “might” because the rest of the town is uphill from here.
Recommendations:
Le Dimore Aracangelo Maria is off the main corridor, but still close to Piazza del Comune and the sacred sites of Assisi. The views are wonderful, host friendly, and it has a small kitchenette if you want to make a meal or two during your stay (the stores in Italy have a huge selection from fresh pasta and sauces – if you can boil water, you can cook in Italy).
Via Giotto, 5 has spacious, bright rooms right in the heart of Assisi’s lower town. It also has a very-well equipped kitchen, along with a pod-style coffee maker so you don’t have to wait for your morning espresso. Other guests have given this one an almost perfect 9.8 rating.
Upper Town
The upper town (east and uphill from Piazza del Comune), is quieter than the bustle of lower town, but is no less charming. The entire town is walkable, so these distances are relative.
Recommendations:
C’era una volta (Once Upon a Time) is located in the quieter part of town, and is built with wonderful stone arches that define medieval living. The accommodations are modern and comfortable, with a wealth of dining options nearby.
Studio dell’Arco is very close to the Basilica of Santa Chiara (Saint Clare). Like the others, the location, rooms, and hosts are marvelous. This one features a washing machine (prized gem for long term pilgrims). Its also close to Mojano parking garage, which might make your luggage haul to and from a bit easier. 
Pilgrim Pick, Monastery Stay
To deepen the pilgrimage experience, you might consider staying at the Casa della Misericordia (House of Mercy). A convent run by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, the same congregation to which Saint Faustina Kowalska belonged. This unique sanctuary within medieval walls, a chapel, and friendly Sisters, offers a quiet, joyful stay. Its located halfway between the Saint Francis Basilica and the Piazza del Comune.
The Sacred Sites of Assisi
Francis was born into a wealthy family and lived a carefree youth until imprisonment during war sparked his spiritual awakening. Around 1205, the San Damiano Crucifix spoke to him: “Go and repair my church.” After dramatically renouncing his inheritance before Assisi’s bishop, Francis embraced radical poverty, rebuilding churches and caring for lepers. Following this awakening, he founded the Franciscan Order at the Porziuncola in 1209, eventually receiving the stigmata at La Verna (about 60 miles north). Just two years after his death, Pope Gregory IX canonized Saint Francis as Italy’s patron saint.
The sacred sites of Assisi are organized by distance from the Basilica of San Francesco, the main attraction of this pilgrimage. Depending on your transportation and time, you may hit the highlights in the old medieval town, the surrounding area, or travel to other significant sites of the life of San Francesco.
Basilica of San Francesco
The Basilica of San Francesco occupies the entire western end of Assisi, its massive bulk visible from the valley below. The complex consists of two stacked churches, one directly above the other, and the crypt containing Saint’s tomb. From the upper piazza (Piazza Superiore di San Francesco), stone steps descend along the building’s left side, leading pilgrims down to the entrance of the Lower Church.
The entrance is through the lower church, with bag check, security, and audio guide rental kiosk. As we always recommend, arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially the tour buses that arrive after 10 am. Please dress appropriately for entering a church. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your knees and shoulders are covered. (i.e. no shorts or tank tops).
The Lower Church
Entering the Sacred Space
The Lower Church was built between 1228 and 1230, just two years after Francis’s death, a testament to his popularity while alive. The low vaulted ceilings and thick walls create an intimate feeling (and you will be thankful for arriving early). Natural light filters through small windows, illuminating frescoes by some of medieval art’s greatest masters, most famously including Giotto di Bondone.
The Crossing Vault: Giotto’s Four Allegories
Above the main altar, in the four sections of the crossing vault directly over Saint Francis’s tomb, Giotto and his workshop painted the Four Allegories around 1315-1320. These frescoes—also called the vele or “sails”—depict the three Franciscan virtues of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, along with the Glory (or Triumph) of Saint Francis.
The Tomb of Saint Francis
Stairs descend from the Lower Church into the crypt, the most sacred place in the entire complex. The stone coffin holding Saint Francis’s remains sits above the altar, illuminated by a votive lamp that burns oil donated annually by different regions of Italy.
No photography is permitted and silence is enforced. Candles are available for purchase; you can lay your candle at the tomb for use later.
The tomb itself is surprisingly simple: rough stone without elaborate decoration, reflecting the saint’s love of poverty. Four smaller tombs surround Francis’s sarcophagus, containing his closest companions: Brothers Rufino, Angelo, Masseo, and Leo—the men who shared his early years. They were considered radicals at that time.
Confessionals and Sacramental Life
The Lower Church maintains several confessionals staffed by multilingual Franciscan friars, allowing pilgrims to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in English and other languages. This Year of Saint Francis, the conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence include praying in a Franciscan church, receiving the Eucharist, and confession. All three can be accomplished right there. The Mass schedule, including a daily pilgrim’s Mass, can be found here.
Relics and Sacred Objects
The Lower Church houses many Franciscan relics, displayed in various chapels and the treasury. Visitors can venerate fragments of Saint Francis’s habit, strands of Saint Clare’s hair, and other personal objects of the early Franciscan saints. The church also preserves the chalice and paten used by Saint Francis, along with various manuscripts and liturgical objects from the early Franciscan centuries.
Ascending to the Upper Church
A one-way path leads from the Lower Church up to the courtyard level, passing the basilica’s gift shop and bookstore. The shop offers religious articles, books about Franciscan spirituality, and souvenirs—all proceeds support the basilica’s maintenance and the friars’ ministry. From here, pilgrims enter the Upper Church through its main portal.
The Upper Church
Architecture and Atmosphere
The Upper Church, completed in 1253, presents a startling contrast to the intimate Lower Church. Gothic arches soar upward, creating what art historian Adolfo Venturi called “the most beautiful house of prayer that exists in the world.” Large windows flood the interior with light, illuminating the most extensive cycle of 13th-century frescoes surviving anywhere.
Giotto's Life of Saint Francis
The walls of the nave contain the masterpiece that made this basilica famous: twenty-eight frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis based on Saint Bonaventure’s official biography, the Legenda Maior. Each fresco measures approximately 9 by 8 feet (2.7 by 2.3 meters).
The cycle begins near the altar with Francis honoring a simple man who spreads cloaks before him—a prefigurement of his future sanctity. The frescoes proceed chronologically around the nave, showing Francis’s conversion, his renunciation of worldly goods, papal approval of his rule, and his various miracles and visions. Famous scenes include Francis preaching to the birds, creating the first Christmas crèche, and receiving the stigmata on Mount La Verna.
Basilica of Santa Chiara
The Piazza di Santa Chiara (Saint Clare), located in front of the Basilica of the same name, sports a modest fountain in the center, but on nice days you can enjoy the view of Umbrian valley, while enjoying a treat (panino, gelato, or maybe an aperitivo) from the nearby cafe. That is as Italian as it gets.
Saint Clare of Assisi: The First Franciscan Woman
Clare Offreduccio was born around 1194 to one of Assisi’s wealthiest noble families. Her comfortable life changed dramatically when she heard Francis preaching in 1210. Consequently, inspired by his message, she made a decision that scandalized medieval society medieval society: on Palm Sunday, she escaped her family’s palazzo and ran to the Porziuncola, where Francis himself cut her hair and clothed her in rough brown cloth, the symbolic act of religious profession.
Clare established the Order of Poor Clares (Clarisse) at San Damiano in 1212, attracting followers through her noble influence and fierce determination—first her sister Agnes, then childhood friends, and eventually her own mother Ortolana. Her diplomatic skills allowed her to fight multiple popes for the “Privilege of Poverty,” maintaining the right to own nothing and survive on daily alms alone despite repeated church attempts to moderate this extreme lifestyle. Today, over 20,000 Poor Clare sisters in monasteries worldwide continue Clare’s vision of contemplative poverty and prayer.
The Basilica
Like the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Basilica di Santa Chiara was built shortly after her death in recognition of her influence. Completed in 1265 in early Gothic style, designed by architect Filippo Campello to honor the newly canonized saint. The church incorporates the site of the former Church of San Giorgio, where both Saint Francis (1226-1230) and Saint Clare (1253-1260) were initially buried before being moved to their permanent tombs.
The basilica’s exterior displays Assisi’s characteristic alternating bands of pink and white stone from Monte Subasio. The walls were once completely covered with frescoes, though most were lost in the 17th century. The church’s stripped simplicity reflects Franciscan values—decoration serves prayer rather than display.
Saint Clare's Tomb
A double stairway descends from the nave into the neo-Gothic crypt. Here lies Saint Clare’s skeleton encased within her effigy, visible through protective glass.
The crypt also contains relics of Saints Francis and Clare displayed behind modern grilles: fragments of Francis’s tunic, strands of Clare’s hair, and the cord she wore.
The shrine draws pilgrims seeking Clare’s intercession for various intentions. Many come asking for help with family conflicts—Clare’s own dramatic break with her noble family resonates with those facing difficult relationships. Others seek her guidance in discerning religious vocations or living lives of radical gospel simplicity.
The San Damiano Crucifix
The Basilica’s most precious treasure occupies the Chapel of the Crucifix (Oratorio del Crocifisso): the original painted cross that spoke to Saint Francis around 1205, commanding him to “Go and repair my house which, as you see, is falling into ruins.”
This crucifix was originally located at San Damiano, the small church Francis restored in obedience to its command. When Clare and her sisters moved from San Damiano to the new convent at Santa Chiara in 1260, they brought the cross with them.
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore - Saint Carlo Acutis
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore sits near Piazza del Vescovado in central Assisi. Founded in the 4th century atop Roman temple ruins, this former cathedral houses the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, where tradition tells us Saint Francis renounced his worldly possessions before the bishop.
Today, the church draws international attention as home to Saint Carlo Acutis, canonized September 7, 2025, as the Catholic Church’s first Millennial saint. After receiving First Holy Communion at age seven, he attended daily Mass and spent hours in Eucharistic Adoration, calling the Eucharist his “highway to heaven.” He combined deep spirituality with computer programming skills, creating websites documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide.
In addition to his digital work, Carlo defended disabled classmates and served the homeless in Milan. The future Saint challenged peers with his saying, “We are all born as originals, but many die as photocopies.” Diagnosed with acute leukemia at fifteen, he offered his suffering for the Pope and Church. He died October 12, 2006, requesting burial in Assisi, the city he loved.
Carlo’s tomb lies in the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, visible through protective glass. His body is not incorrupt but preserved through wax encasement, dressed in his characteristic jeans and sneakers—the “saint in sneakers”—as he lived. The tomb draws great numbers of young pilgrims who find in Carlo a saint who understood social media and video games while maintaining unwavering focus on Jesus in the Eucharist.
Saint Francis Sites Within Assisi's Walls
Chiesa Nuova (New Church) – Built in 1615-1621 over Saint Francis’s family home/shop. Contains the tiny prison cell where his father Pietro di Bernardone locked him up after Francis gave away his wealth to the poor.
Oratorio di San Francesco Piccolino (Little Saint Francis Oratory) – A small 13th-century chapel believed to be Francis’s actual birthplace. Legend holds his mother Pica gave birth to him in this stable “in the presence of an ox and donkey” (similar to Jesus’s birth). Located near Chiesa Nuova via a narrow alley.
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore – The former cathedral where Francis famously renounced his worldly possessions before Bishop Guido and his father around 1206. The “Sanctuary of the Renunciation” marks this pivotal moment in Francis’s conversion.
Cathedral of San Rufino – Where Francis was baptized as an infant and attended school. Both Francis and Clare were baptized in this ancient cathedral, which has glass panels showing ruins of the earlier 11th-century church.
Saint Francis Sites Beyond Assisi's Walls
Santa Maria degli Angeli - The Porziuncola
The town of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Holy Mary of the Angels), is located about 2 miles from the Assisi walls, and the location of the Basilica of the same name. The Porziuncola, the tiny church that Saint Francis rebuilt, is inside the Basilica. This is a must-visit site for the Assisi pilgrimage. If you arrive by train, the station is less than a 10 minute walk from the Basilica. If you arrive by car, Santa Maria degli Angeli is actually the exit you take off the freeway. Definitely plan to spend a couple of hours here.
The Porziuncola means the “little portion”. Saint Francis called this chapel his little portion of heaven. This became the headquarters of his order, welcomed Clare into religious life, and experienced his vision receiving the “Pardon of Assisi” indulgence.
What is the Pardon of Assisi? According to tradition, while praying at the Porziuncola one night in 1216, Francis experienced a brilliant vision. Christ and the Virgin Mary appeared above the altar, surrounded by angels, and asked what he desired for the salvation of souls. Francis replied: “I beg you that whoever comes to this church, after having confessed and shown contrition for his sins, may obtain ample and generous forgiveness, with a complete remission of all his sins.” The Pope approved this indulgence into perpetuity.
The Porziuncola is a sacred place, and is reserved for quiet prayer. Photography inside is prohibited, and monitored. While inside, you might take the opportunity for the prayers of the indulgence.
Saint Francis returned to the Porziuncola when he died (October 3, 1226). The Chapel of Transito marks the spot of his death. This is located just to the right of the Porziuncola, and bears a relic of the rope cincture (belt), worn by Saint Francis.
Behind the Porziuncola, you can access the rest of the complex. This includes a chapel dedicated to Santa Chiara, where we attended a wonderful English language Mass, organized by a dedicated group of ex-pats and American seminarians. (That chapel is not generally open outside of Mass times).
The Rose Garden is beautiful and shows the spot where Saint Francis threw himself into the thorns to overcome temptation. The thorns miraculously became thornless roses and still bloom today. 
San Damiano
The San Damiano Sanctuary is the location of Saint Francis’s conversion, and where the crucifix spoke to him. (The crucifix has since been moved to the Basilica of Santa Chiara.) He also composed the Canticle of the Creatures here. The Sanctuary has a nice gallery dedicated to this famous poem.
Saint Clare founded the Poor Clares while she lived in San Damiano for 41 years. This is also the location where she defended Assisi from a Saracen attack by appearing in a window holding the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance. The raiders fled in terror.
You can get to San Damiano by walking about 15 minutes out of Porta Nuova.
Eremo delle Carceri - The Mountain Hermitage
For a pilgrimage within your pilgrimage, you might consider the Eremo delle Carceri, the hermitage on top of Mount Subasio. This is where Saint Francis, and his brothers, would go for quiet reflection. You can visit the very cave where he would go to pray.
It’s well worth a visit, whether walking from Assisi, or by car. They also host pilgrims for retreats, staying at the guest house and participating in the prayer life of the friars. The 3-mile (4 Km) walk climbs about 1200 feet (400 m), up the mountain from the east end of Assisi. (Parking is just beyond the hermitage.)
Franciscian Sites Beyond Assisi
If you have the means to travel, there are other nearby sites important for the devotion to Saint Francis. Umbria is a beautiful region of Italy, and many of these sites get few visitors.
La Verna -This sanctuary marks where Saint Francis received the stigmata. It is wonderfully remote and prepared for visitors. You reach the chapel of the stigmata along a walk with frescos, reminiscent of Giottos, depicting the life of Saint Francis. The Way of Saint Francis, a walking pilgrimage, starts (or ends) here. You can stay at the sanctuary, and they have a restaurant (with huge meals fit for a hiker).
Gubbio, Umbria – The medieval hill town where Francis famously tamed the ferocious Wolf of Gubbio, negotiating peace between the man-eating beast and terrified townspeople through his legendary encounter calling the wolf “Brother Wolf.” Our visit coincided (intentionally) with the Festa dei Ceri, which happens every May 15th–an amazing spectacle of Italian culture, over 800 years old. We had a fantastico meal at La Taverna del Lupo (Tavern of the Wolf), where the cast of one of our favorite Italian television shows, Don Matteo, frequented.
Greccio, Lazio – This hilltop sanctuary is where Francis created the world’s first live Nativity scene on Christmas Eve 1223, forever changing how Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. We have yet to visit Greccio, but plan to walk there this fall when we walk the Way of Saint Francis.
Tastes of Umbria - What to Eat in Assisi
Every region of Italy has its own sapori (flavors), made fresh with local ingredients. You can get pizza and lasagne in Assisi, but we recommend trying the local dishes. One benefit of a longer stay, you have more opportunities to eat. You might want to use Laura’s trick (below) to find a great place to eat, or follow your nose. To get you started, here are a few of our personal recommendations:
Ristorante Buca di San Francesco – This place is out of the way, a little difficult to find, but worth the effort. We learned of the restaurant with Laura’s trick, she asked a carabinieri (policeman) where they like to eat. The star of the meal was the Cappellacci al Timo E Miele, stuffed pasta with a honey walnut sauce. The treat came with John’s caffè corretto, which came with the whole bottle of Sambuca!
La Bottega Dei Sapori – I hesitate to recommend this place, because it’s popular with the Rick Steves community, which brings crowds. However, the line moves quickly and its very convenient to the Piazza del Comune, but more importantly, has fantastic food. Each region of Italy seems to have their own version of flatbread, and Umbria has Torta al Testo. Pork, in the form of porchetta, is my go-to while in Umbria.
Trattoria degli Umbri – We stumbled upon this place on our first visit and really enjoyed it. This is the place to try strangozzi, the thick pasta that is tipico (local dish) of Umbria. The simple, thick, pasta is an example of cucina povera, or the poor kitchen. Just flour and water (no eggs), but made by hand, illustrates how simple ingredients can become special in the hands of a nonna. They are known for the Strangozzi al Tartufo Nero (black truffles), but we haven’t developed that refined palate. I prefer the Strangozzi degli Umbri, with guanciale.
One standing recommendation for any Italian meal is to order the Vino di Casa (house wine). We are rarely disappointed and gives us an opportunity to learn the local vintages. Assisi Rosso (Sangiovese and Merlot grapes), and Assis Bianco (Trebbiano and Grechetto) will complement any meal, at a very reasonable price.
When To Visit Assisi
Another bit of “standing advice” is about timing your pilgrimage. Go when you can. Go when you have the opportunity to travel, even if it’s in the off-season. I don’t think that we’ve regretted a visit with sub-optimal conditions. That is just part of the experience.
The feast days and events listed here will draw the crowds, which might be energizing for you with the festive atmosphere and shared experience. Alternatively, traveling off-season might give you that solitude and quiet reflection that matches the Franciscan spirit.
2026 is a special year to visit Assisi. The Holy Father has declared 2026 as the Year of Saint Francis. A jubilee year on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis (October 3rd, 1226).
When to Visit Assisi
Weather: The ideal weather for Assisi is spring and fall with the most mild daytime temperatures and cool evenings. Summer brings warmer temperatures, with daytime highs of 85 °F (29 °C). Summer also brings tourists. The winter brings wetter weather with highs in the mid-40s °F (7 °C), but it also brings solitude.
Calendimaggio: The secular tradition in Umbria is a celebration of Spring. Each May, Assisi throws a medieval party like only the Italians do. The upper town (Parte de Sopra) battles the lower town (Parte de Sotto) in three days of pageantry, music, and competition, culminating in the crowning of Madonna Primavera (Lady Spring) amid torch-lit processions through ancient stone streets. This year, it runs from May 6th-11th, 2026.
Feast of the Portiuncula: August 2nd, celebrates the Pardon of Assisi at Our Lady of the Angels.
Feast of Saint Clare: August 11th, on the anniversary of her death.
Feast of Saint Francis: October 3rd and 4th. This year (2026) will be a special feast and festival, celebrating 800 years.
Feast of Saint Carlo Acutis: October 12th. He was canonized in September 2025, this is one of the newest Catholic feast days on the Liturgical calendar.
Pro-Tip from the Hallowed Way:
We encourage you to do the “Early Morning Walk.” Assisi is a different city at 6:30 AM before the tour buses arrive. The mist in the valley and the sound of bells provide the perfect environment for morning prayer.