Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Monte Subasio's forested slopes are as peaceful today as in St Francis' time, albeit now
surrounded by various religious buildings.
Take a contemplative walk or picnic under the oaks. It's a 4km drive (or walk) east of
Assisi, and a dozen nearby hiking trails are well signposted.
Chiesa di San Damiano
(Via San Damiano; 10am-noon & 2-6pm summer, to 4.30pm winter)
It's a 1.5km olive tree-lined
stroll to the church where St Francis first heard the voice of God and where he wrote his
Canticle of the Creatures
. The serene surroundings are popular with pilgrims.
CHURCH
Foro Romano
HISTORIC SITE
(Roman Forum; Via Portica; adult/reduced €4/2.50, with Rocca Maggiore €8/5; 10am-1pm & 2.30-6pm
summer, to 5pm winter)
On Piazza del Comune, just round the corner from the tourist office,
is the entrance to the town's partially excavated Roman Forum, while on the piazza's
northern side is the well-preserved facade of a 1st-century Roman temple, the
Tempio di
Mon-Sat, 8.30am-noon & 2-7pm Sun)
hiding a rather uninspiring 17th-century church.
Duomo di San Rufino
CHURCH
(Piazza San Rufino; 8am-1pm & 2-7pm summer, to 6pm winter)
The 13th-century Romanesque
church, remodelled by Galeazzo Alessi in the 16th century, contains the fountain where St
Francis and St Clare were baptised. The facade is festooned with grotesque figures and
fantastic animals.
CHURCH
Chiesa Nuova
(Piazza Chiesa Nuova; 6.30am-noon & 2.30-6pm summer, to 5pm winter)
Just southeast of the
Piazza del Comune, this domed church is a peaceful place for contemplation. It was built
by King Philip III of Spain in the 1600s on the spot reputed to be the house of St Francis'
family. A bronze statue of the saint's parents stands outside.
Activities
