Assisi: 3-Hours Private Tour Including St. Francis Basilica

Assisi, the quaint Italian town nestled in the Umbrian hills, beckons visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage. A 3-hour private tour offers an immersive journey through the city’s architectural gems, from the iconic Basilica of Saint Francis to the captivating Piazza del Comune. With expert guidance, travelers can uncover the stories behind these historic landmarks, each reflecting Assisi‘s enduring spirit. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to bask in the town’s serene ambiance, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• The 3-hour private tour in Assisi includes visits to the Cathedral of San Rufino, Basilica of Saint Clare, Piazza del Comune, Temple of Minerva, and Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore.
• The tour provides a guided exploration of the Romanesque façade, sculpted portals, and bell tower of the Cathedral of San Rufino.
• Visitors can experience the 13th-century Gothic façade, frescoes, and stained glass windows of the Basilica of Saint Clare during a 20-minute guided tour.
• The tour includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Basilica of Saint Francis, known for its stunning frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini.
• The tour can be booked with a reserve now, pay later option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The Assisi Private Tour is a 3-hour experience that costs from $157.77 per person.

Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now, pay later option available.

The tour starts at the Cathedral of San Rufino, where guests receive a 20-minute guided visit.

The tour begins with a 20-minute guided visit to the Cathedral of San Rufino.

They’ll then explore the Basilica of Saint Clare, Piazza del Comune, Temple of Minerva, and Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, each with a guided experience ranging from 10 to 20 minutes.

The tour concludes with a 45-minute guided visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Cathedral of San Rufino, guests receive a guided tour for 20 minutes.

Next, the tour visits the Basilica of Saint Clare, where a 20-minute guided exploration takes place.

Then, the group heads to Piazza del Comune for a 10-minute guided tour.

Afterward, they’ll explore the Temple of Minerva with a 15-minute guided visit.

The itinerary continues at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, with a 10-minute guided tour.

The tour culminates at the Basilica of Saint Francis, featuring a 45-minute guided visit highlighting the impressive frescoes by renowned artists.

Cathedral of San Rufino

The Cathedral of San Rufino stands as a testament to Assisi’s medieval history, welcoming visitors with its striking Romanesque façade.

During the guided tour, travelers will learn about its impressive architecture, which features a rose window, sculpted portals, and a bell tower.

Inside, the cathedral’s nave and transept showcase beautiful frescoes and intricate stonework.

Dedicated to Assisi’s patron saint, the cathedral dates back to the 12th century and plays a central role in the town’s religious and cultural heritage.

This 20-minute stop offers a glimpse into Assisi’s storied past.

Basilica of Saint Clare

From the Cathedral of San Rufino, the group’s guided tour continues to the Basilica of Saint Clare. This 13th-century church houses the remains of Saint Clare, a follower of Saint Francis.

The tour guide leads the group through the basilica, highlighting:

1. The elaborate Gothic façade and rose window.

2. The Basilica’s stunning frescoes and stained glass windows.

3. The simple yet powerful tomb of Saint Clare, where visitors can reflect on her devotion and legacy.

After 20 minutes, the tour moves on to the lively Piazza del Comune, the heart of medieval Assisi.

Piazza Del Comune

Departing the Basilica of Saint Clare, the group enters the bustling Piazza del Comune, the heart of medieval Assisi. This picturesque square features:

| Architectural Highlights | Historical Significance |

|————————–|————————-|

| 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori | Site of ancient Roman forum |

| Elegant fountain with lions | Political center of Assisi |

| Towering Rocca Maggiore fortress | Venue for civic events and markets |

The group explores the charming piazza, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture and imagining the lively scenes that once unfolded here. As they prepare to move on, the guide shares intriguing stories of Assisi’s past, bringing the square to life.

Temple of Minerva

Leaving the lively Piazza del Comune behind, the group makes its way to the Temple of Minerva, a remarkably well-preserved Roman structure dating back to the 1st century BC.

Dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, the temple features:

1. A striking façade with six Corinthian columns and a pediment adorned with intricate carvings.

2. The temple’s interior, which has been transformed into a church, showcases its original architectural details, including the apse and side niches.

3. Visitors can admire the temple’s impressive state of preservation, a testament to Assisi’s rich history and the city’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage.

Chiesa Di Santa Maria Maggiore

After marveling at the well-preserved Temple of Minerva, the tour continues to the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore.

This 13th-century church impresses with its ornate Gothic-style façade and interior. Guides explain the church’s history and significance, noting it houses the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian computer programmer who dedicated his life to the Catholic Church.

Visitors admire the stunning frescoes, marble altars, and stained-glass windows as they learn about the church’s architectural and religious importance.

The 10-minute guided tour provides an insightful look into this remarkable Assisi landmark before proceeding to the Basilica of Saint Francis.

Basilica of Saint Francis

The Basilica of Saint Francis serves as the tour’s final and most captivating destination.

Visitors are in awe as they explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini.

The guide provides an in-depth, 45-minute tour, delving into the basilica’s rich history and significance:

1. The upper and lower churches showcase the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles.

2. The basilica’s interior walls are adorned with breathtaking frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis.

3. The tomb of Saint Francis is a sacred and revered pilgrimage site for visitors.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating history and architectural wonders of Assisi on this private tour. From the iconic Basilica of Saint Francis to the charming Piazza del Comune, you’ll uncover the city’s rich cultural heritage. With the flexibility to explore at your own pace and the convenience of free cancellation, this immersive journey into Assisi’s past is a must-experience for any traveler.