Assisi: Walking Tour, St. Francis Basilica & Piazza del Comune

Summary

Assisi’s ancient stones echo with stories on every winding street

You’ll walk Assisi’s winding alleys with a local guide, see ancient Roman ruins turned into homes, stand beneath the pink stone arches of Saint Clare’s Basilica, and pause outside St. Francis’ Basilica listening to stories older than memory. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the stones under my shoes felt—worn smooth, almost soft, like they’d been walked for centuries (which, I guess, they have). Our guide Paola waved us over by a little archway that used to be part of a Roman amphitheater. She told us how it got turned into someone’s neighborhood ages ago—imagine growing up where gladiators once fought? You could still smell bread baking somewhere close by; it made me hungry before we’d even started properly.

I kept lagging behind in those narrow alleys, just trying to catch all the details—the pinkish glow on Saint Clare’s Basilica from Subasio stone, and the way locals greeted each other with these tiny nods. Paola pointed out Saint Rufino’s Cathedral and explained how Assisi’s skyline is this weird mix of medieval towers and ancient temples. At Piazza del Comune, there was this sudden burst of chatter from a café and the columns of Minerva’s temple just kind of looming over everything. Someone’s dog barked at pigeons and nobody seemed to mind.

We finally reached the Basilica of St. Francis. The outside is almost plain if you don’t know what you’re looking at—but inside (well, when you can go in with a guide), the frescoes are so old you can practically smell the dust in the air. Giotto’s colors are faded but somehow more alive because of it. Paola had to give her explanation outside since tours aren’t always allowed inside—she shrugged and said “Assisi has its own rhythms.” I liked that.

I still think about that view back toward Rocca Maggiore—how everything felt both quiet and full at once. There’s something about walking these streets with someone who knows every story that makes Assisi feel less like a postcard and more like a place you could belong to for an afternoon—or maybe longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Assisi highlights

• Meet guide at 10:30am
• Visit old Roman amphitheater ruins
• View Rocca Maggiore castle
• Walk narrow alleys to Saint Rufino’s Cathedral
• Visit Saint Clare's Basilica
• See Piazza del Comune main square
• View Minerva's Roman temple
• Visit Chiesa Nuova church
• Tour Basilica of Saint Francis frescoes

Top questions

How long does the Assisi walking tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 2-3 hours depending on group pace and questions.

Is entrance to St. Francis Basilica included?

You’ll enter on your own; guided explanations inside are sometimes restricted due to religious events or special exhibitions.

Where does the tour start in Assisi?

The meeting point is at Matteotti parking lot (note: currently no parking available due to renovations).

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is in English with an official local guide.

Are there dress code requirements for churches?

Yes—shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed.

Is this Assisi day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves some walking on cobblestone streets.

Which main sites are visited during the tour?

You’ll see St. Francis Basilica, Saint Clare’s Basilica, Saint Rufino’s Cathedral, Chiesa Nuova, Piazza del Comune, and Minerva’s temple.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes—public transportation options are available close to the meeting point in Assisi.

What’s included

Your day includes an official English-speaking guide who leads you through Assisi’s historic streets and basilicas; entry fees are not required for most sites but note that guided explanations inside St. Francis’ Basilica may be limited during certain dates or religious events—you’ll receive guidance outside before entering independently if needed.