Luca Ravenna - Flamingo
Enjoy a top-tier theater performance by Luca Ravenna at Assisi's Teatro Lyrick.
Plizio Visual Lab
Basilica of Saint Francis
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
cathedral
Weather…
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
4
Nitro - Chroma Festival 2026
High-energy rap finale at Chroma Festival featuring Nitro and many other artists.
Noyz Narcos - Chroma Festival Day 3
Top-tier Italian hip-hop with Noyz Narcos performing live at Umbriafiere.
Marlene Kuntz - Chroma Festival 2026
Alternative rock night featuring Marlene Kuntz on day two of the Chroma Festival.
The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is the mother church of the Franciscan Order and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. Construction began in 1228, shortly after the canonization of Saint Francis, and was built over his tomb. The complex consists of two superimposed churches: the Lower Basilica, which is dark and crypt-like, and the Upper Basilica, which is bright and built in the Italian Gothic style. The basilica is world-famous for its fresco cycles, including masterpieces by Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini. Of particular significance is the cycle in the Upper Basilica depicting the life of Saint Francis, which marked a turning point in art history toward a more realistic style. Despite suffering severe damage during the 1997 earthquake, the basilica was restored in an unprecedented recovery effort. Millions of pilgrims and art enthusiasts visit the site annually, as it remains a symbol of peace and spirituality.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: San Giacomo del muro rotto · Punto panoramico sulla Basilica di Assisi · Piccolo Teatro degli Instabili
- Nearby: Ponte San Giovanni (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 25 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 72 | 70 | 61 | 69 | 45 | 35 | 38 | 76 | 79 | 109 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is an active religious sanctuary and open to visitors. Entry is free, but the lower and upper church can only be visited at certain times.
Typical hours
The basilica is typically open daily, with longer hours in summer. During services, visiting is restricted; exact times can be found on the basilica's website.
Photography
Photography inside the basilica is allowed without flash and tripod in most areas. In the crypt and during special devotions, photography may be prohibited.
Time needed
Allow at least one hour to visit both churches and the crypt. Those wanting to explore the surrounding monastery complex and cemetery should plan for two hours.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the town of Assisi: Rocca Maggiore, the Cathedral of San Rufino, and the Franciscan monastery. The surrounding Umbrian countryside invites walks.
Getting there
Assisi is reachable by train; buses from the station go to the basilica. By car, park in the parking lots on the outskirts and take the shuttle or walk.
Insider tip
Visit the basilica early morning or late afternoon for the best light through the windows and fewer crowds. Dress code: cover shoulders and knees.
Geography
Facts
- Start of construction: 1228
- UNESCO World Heritage site since: 2000
- Number of superimposed churches: 2
- Rediscovery of St. Francis's tomb: 1818
- Severely damaged by earthquake in: 1997
- Key artist of the frescoes: Giotto
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Basilica of Saint Francis (10)
Palazzo Comacini
Historic building in Assisi, a medieval palace.
Monastero Santa Croce
Monastery in Assisi, a former Franciscan convent.
Pinacoteca🏛 museum
Art gallery in Assisi, housing works from various periods.
Basilica superiore di San Francesco d'Assisi⛪ church
Church in Assisi, part of the Assisi Basilica, famous for Giotto's frescoes.
Basilica inferiore di San Francesco d'Assisi⛪ church
Part of San Francesco d'Assisi church, Italy, containing the tomb of Saint Francis.
Museo del Tesoro della Basilica di San Francesco e Collezione Perkins🏛 museum
Museum in Assisi, Italy, with the basilica's treasury and the Perkins collection.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Does the basilica consist of two churches?
Yes, there is the Upper Church and the Lower Church, both rich in frescoes.
Are Giotto's frescoes located here?
Yes, the Upper Church houses Giotto's famous fresco cycle depicting the life of St. Francis.
Where is the tomb of St. Francis?
The tomb is located in the crypt beneath the Lower Church and is a major pilgrimage site.
Is photography allowed in the basilica?
No, photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the basilica.
Is there a security check at the entrance?
Yes, as with many major religious sites, there are checks. Bags are often inspected.
Basilica of Saint Francis: where is it located?
Basilica of Saint Francis is located in Italy.
Basilica of Saint Francis: what is there to see?
Highlights include San Giacomo del muro rotto, Punto panoramico sulla Basilica di Assisi, Piccolo Teatro degli Instabili.
Basilica of Saint Francis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Basilica of Saint Francis: why is it worth visiting?
The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is the mother church of the Franciscan Order and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Italy →
Nearby cities
Prato
Prato in Tuscany is one of Europe's leading textile manufacturing centers.
Viserba
Viserba is a lively seaside resort in Rimini, famous for its sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and vibrant Italian coastal life.
Pescara
Pescara is the largest city in the Abruzzo region and is located on the Adriatic coast.
San Silvestro
San Silvestro is a beautiful coastal stretch near Pescara in the Abruzzo region, favored for its wide sandy beaches, clear waters, and li…
Forlì
Forlì is a major agricultural and industrial center in Romagna.
Cesena
Cesena is located in Romagna, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines.
Pesaro
Pesaro is a city in the Marche region on the Adriatic.
Pistoia
Pistoia is located at the foot of the Apennines in Tuscany.
Imola
Imola is located in Emilia-Romagna.
Fano
Fano is a charming coastal town in the Marche region, famous for its Roman heritage and long family-friendly sandy beaches along the Adri…
Grosseto
Grosseto is the heart of the Maremma region in southern Tuscany.
Teramo
Teramo is located in Abruzzo, nestled between the Gran Sasso and the Adriatic coast.
Montesilvano
A lively coastal town in the Abruzzo region, known for its long sandy beaches and bustling seaside promenade.
Villa Canonico
Villa Canonico is a charming seaside area on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, Italy, known for its relaxing beach clubs and family-friendly…
Villa Verrocchio
A beautiful seaside resort in Abruzzo, near Pescara, famous for its wide sandy beaches and pine forest.
History & landmarks
Piazza Grande (Arezzo)
Piazza Grande is the central and most famous square in Arezzo.
Mole Vanvitelliana
The Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona is a massive pentagonal building located in the harbor.
Sulmona
The birthplace of the poet Ovid, world-famous for its 'confetti' candy tradition and impressive medieval aqueduct.
