Assisi: Private Walking Tour With St. Francis Basilica

Assisi, the birthplace of the revered St. Francis, beckons visitors to uncover its historic treasures. On this private walking tour, one can explore the remarkable Romanesque and Gothic architecture that defines the city’s iconic landmarks. From the grand San Rufino Cathedral to the awe-inspiring Basilica of Saint Francis, each site offers a glimpse into the Franciscan heritage that has shaped Assisi‘s rich cultural tapestry. As the tour winds through the charming old town, the guide’s insights shed light on the significance of these historic treasures, leaving the curious traveler eager to delve deeper into the remarkable story that unfolds within Assisi’s walls.

Key Points

• This private walking tour of Assisi explores the city’s historic monuments, including the Basilica of St. Francis, Basilica of St. Clare, and Assisi Cathedral.
• Visitors have the opportunity to spend 45 minutes admiring the magnificent architecture and artwork of the Basilica of St. Francis.
• The tour provides insights and commentary from a private guide, allowing for a deeper understanding of the sites’ significance.
• Participants can discover Assisi’s charming old town, including hidden alleys and courtyards, during the 2.5-hour guided experience.
• The tour is available in multiple languages and includes entry tickets to the Basilica of St. Francis.

Tour Overview

The private walking tour of Assisi’s famous monuments lasts for 2.5 hours and is available in Spanish, English, German, and Italian.

During the tour, you’ll visit the San Rufino Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Clare, the Santuario di San Francesco Piccolino, and the Chiesa Nuova di San Francesco Convertito.

You’ll also stroll through the Piazza del Comune and see the Temple of Minerva.

The highlight of the tour is a 45-minute visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis, which was built in honor of the revered saint after his death.

With a private guide, you’ll explore the historic monuments and discover the hidden alleys and courtyards of Assisi’s Old Town.

Itinerary

During the 2.5-hour private walking tour, visitors start at the San Rufino Cathedral, which features ancient stratifications of the Assisi Cathedral.

Next, they’ll explore the Basilica of Saint Clare, home to the saint’s remains.

The tour then moves on to the Santuario di San Francesco Piccolino and the Chiesa Nuova di San Francesco Convertito, both significant religious sites.

Strolling through the Piazza del Comune, visitors will see the Temple of Minerva before ending the tour with a 45-minute visit to the renowned Basilica of Saint Francis, built in honor of the city’s most famous son.

Throughout the itinerary, guests discover Assisi’s hidden alleys and charming courtyards.

Highlights

Visitors can explore the historic monuments of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, during this private walking tour. They’ll witness the ancient stratifications of the Assisi Cathedral at the San Rufino Cathedral.

The tour then leads them to the Basilica of Saint Clare, where they can see the remains of the saint.

The highlight of the tour is the Basilica of Saint Francis, built in honor of the revered saint after his death. Guests will have the opportunity to spend 45 minutes admiring its magnificent architecture and artwork.

Plus, the tour includes a stroll through Assisi’s Old Town, where visitors can discover hidden alleys and charming courtyards.

1. Explore the historic monuments of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis.
2. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis, built in honor of the revered saint.
3. Discover the hidden alleys and charming courtyards of Assisi’s Old Town.

Inclusions

This private walking tour includes a private guide to lead visitors through the historic monuments of Assisi.

It also provides a walking tour and an entry ticket to the Basilica of St. Francis.

The private guide will provide insights and commentary on the significance of each site, ensuring visitors have a deeper understanding of the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The walking tour allows guests to explore Assisi’s charming old town, discovering hidden alleyways and picturesque courtyards.

The entry ticket to the Basilica of St. Francis grants access to the renowned church, allowing visitors to marvel at its stunning architecture and learn about the life of the town’s patron saint.

Considerations

Although the tour allows visitors to explore Assisi’s historic monuments, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Tourists should avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or clothing that exposes their knees and shoulders, as the tour includes visits to religious sites that have a dress code.

Plus, the tour isn’t available on Sundays, major Catholic holidays, and national holidays, so visitors should plan accordingly.

When planning the tour, visitors should keep in mind:

1. Appropriate attire is required, with no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or exposed knees and shoulders allowed.

2. The tour isn’t available on Sundays, major Catholic holidays, and national holidays.

3. Visitors should plan their schedule accordingly to ensure they can participate in the full tour.

Exploring San Rufino Cathedral

The tour begins at the striking San Rufino Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can admire the cathedral’s elaborate façade, which features intricate stone carvings and a grand rose window.

Inside, the cathedral’s soaring nave and ornate altars create an atmosphere of reverence and wonder. Explore the ancient stratifications of the cathedral, which reveal its rich history and evolution over the centuries.

Marvel at the stunning frescoes and stained-glass windows that adorn the interior, casting a warm glow throughout the sacred space. This magnificent cathedral, dedicated to St. Rufinus, sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Assisi’s religious and cultural heritage.

Basilica of Saint Clare

Next, the tour explores the Basilica of Saint Clare, a 13th-century church that honors the life and legacy of this influential Franciscan nun. Visitors can admire the basilica’s elegant Gothic architecture, with its striking rose window and intricate stone carvings adorning the façade.

Inside, the church’s simple yet stunning interior features vaulted ceilings, colorful frescoes, and the tomb of Saint Clare herself, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies and was a close friend of Saint Francis.

The highlights of the Basilica of Saint Clare include:

1. The stunning rose window, a masterpiece of Gothic design.
2. The tomb of Saint Clare, which draws pilgrims from around the world.
3. The impressive collection of religious art and artifacts housed within the church.

Basilica of Saint Francis

Spanning over 28,000 square meters, the Basilica of Saint Francis is the crown jewel of Assisi’s iconic landmarks.

This 13th-century masterpiece, built in honor of the city’s patron saint, captivates visitors with its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, intricate frescoes, and sacred relics.

Divided into the Upper and Lower Basilica, the complex features awe-inspiring artworks by renowned painters like Giotto.

Descend to the Lower Basilica to see the tomb of St. Francis and admire the striking stained-glass windows.

After exploring the main areas, visitors can wander through the extensive monastic complex, home to a museum and tranquil cloisters.

The Basilica’s spiritual significance and architectural brilliance make it a must-visit on any Assisi pilgrimage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photos Inside the Basilicas?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the basilicas, but they may be restricted in certain areas or during special services. It’s best to check with staff or guides before taking photos to ensure compliance with any rules or policies.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour of Assisi’s monuments is not fully wheelchair accessible, as some of the historic sites have stairs and uneven terrain. However, visitors using wheelchairs can likely participate in parts of the tour with assistance.

Do We Need to Book the Tour in Advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance. Many walking tours in popular destinations like Assisi often sell out, so reserving your spot ahead of time ensures you can secure your preferred date and time.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees. It’s best to review the operator’s specific policies when booking to understand the terms and conditions.

Can We Leave the Group and Explore on Our Own?

No, participants generally cannot leave the group during a private walking tour. The tour guide leads the group through the itinerary, and it’s important for everyone to stay together for the duration of the experience.

Recap

Assisi’s captivating Franciscan heritage comes alive on this private walking tour. Visitors can enjoy the town’s Romanesque and Gothic architectural gems, including the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable local, they’ll uncover the rich history and significance of these historic treasures, offering an engaging and enriching experience in this renowned Italian destination.