Assisi: Walking Tour With St. Francis Basilica Visit

Assisi, the enchanting medieval town in Italy, captivates visitors with its rich history and stunning architecture. A guided walking tour offers an immersive experience, exploring key landmarks like the San Rufino Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint Francis. Culminating in a visit to the renowned Basilica, known for its exquisite frescoes, this tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to uncover more of Assisi’s cultural treasures.

Key Points

• 2.5-hour guided walking tour of historic Assisi, including visits to the Basilica of Saint Francis, San Rufino Cathedral, and Basilica of Saint Clare.
• Tour cost is $54.61 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and it is conducted in English.
• Highlights include exploring ancient Roman ruins, such as the Temple of Minerva, and a guided tour of the renowned frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis.
• Dress code requirements for places of worship, and guided tours inside the Basilica of Saint Francis may be prohibited on Sundays and major holidays.
• Overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 171 reviews, with praise for the tour guides’ knowledge and presentation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Assisi: Walking Tour with St. Francis Basilica Visit" is a 2.5-hour guided tour that explores the historic city of Assisi.

The tour costs $54.61 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Availability is limited, so it’s advisable to check for starting times.

The tour costs $54.61 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Availability is limited, so check for starting times.

The tour is conducted in English and begins at the Parking Matteotti in front of the ticket office.

Key highlights include the San Rufino Cathedral, Basilica of Saint Clare, Santuario di San Francesco Piccolino, Piazza del Comune, Temple of Minerva, and the famous Basilica of Saint Francis.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the P. Matteotti Assisi.

Key stops include:

1. San Rufino Cathedral – Spend 10 minutes exploring this ancient cathedral.

2. Basilica of Saint Clare – Enjoy a 20-minute guided visit to this iconic church.

3. Santuario di San Francesco Piccolino – Take a 10-minute guided tour of this lesser-known sanctuary.

4. Piazza del Comune – Discover the architectural wonders of this historic square in 10 minutes.

The tour culminates with a 45-minute guided visit to the renowned Basilica of Saint Francis, famous for its 13th and 14th-century frescoes by masters like Giotto.

Tour Experience

One can expect to explore Assisi’s rich history, art, and local traditions with a knowledgeable guide on this walking tour. The tour includes visits to ancient Roman ruins, the Cathedral of Saint Rufino, and the Piazza del Comune. The highlight is the guided tour of the renowned Basilica of Saint Francis, known for its magnificent 13th and 14th-century frescoes. Visitors should note the dress code requirements for places of worship.

| Tour Highlights | Duration |

| — | — |

| San Rufino Cathedral | 10 minutes |

| Basilica of Saint Clare | 20 minutes guided |

| Santuario di San Francesco Piccolino | 10 minutes guided |

| Piazza del Comune | 10 minutes |

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the quality of the tour guides, with many highlighting their wealth of knowledge and engaging presentation styles.

The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 171 reviews. Key highlights from customer feedback include:

1. Emma from the UK praised the tour as "brilliant" and the guide Alessandra as "excellent".

2. Elizabeth from the US highlighted the guide’s "wealth of knowledge and engaging presentation".

3. Kathleen from the UK appreciated the "efficient communication regarding schedule adjustments".

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Important Information

On Sundays and major holidays, guided tours inside the Basilica of St. Francis are prohibited; entry is allowed only in silence. Itineraries may change, so it’s important to always check for updates before the tour.

Visitors should dress appropriately for places of worship, avoiding shorts or sleeveless tops.

The 2.5-hour walking tour of Assisi covers key sites like the San Rufino Cathedral, Basilica of Saint Clare, and Basilica of Saint Francis. With an expert guide, travelers will explore the town’s history, art, and local traditions.

This tour is likely to sell out, so customers should secure their spots in advance.

Exploring Assisi’s History and Architecture

As visitors embark on the walking tour of Assisi, they’ll discover a captivating blend of ancient Roman and medieval architecture that has stood the test of time.

The tour highlights several must-see landmarks:

San Rufino Cathedral, Basilica of Saint Clare, Temple of Minerva, and the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis – must-see landmarks in Assisi.

1. San Rufino Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque structure dating back to the 12th century.

2. Basilica of Saint Clare, home to the venerated crucifix that spoke to Saint Francis.

3. The Temple of Minerva, a well-preserved Roman temple now transformed into a Christian church.

4. The magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis, renowned for its stunning 13th and 14th-century frescoes by master artists.

Admiring the Basilica of Saint Francis

The Basilica of Saint Francis stands as the crown jewel of Assisi’s architectural heritage. This 13th-century cathedral is renowned for its exquisite frescoes by the likes of Giotto. Visitors can spend up to 45 minutes exploring the basilica’s interior under the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Construction | Begun in 1228, completed in 1253 |

| Architecture | Romanesque and Gothic styles |

| Frescoes | Masterpieces by Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini |

| Significance | Burial site of St. Francis of Assisi |

| Access | Restricted on Sundays and holidays |

While the basilica is a must-see, visitors should dress appropriately and be mindful of any schedule changes or access restrictions.

Navigating the Tour Schedule and Dress Code

Visitors must be mindful of the tour schedule and dress code when planning their visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis.

Tour guides are prohibited from leading groups inside the basilica on Sundays and major holidays – entry is allowed only in silence. Itineraries may also change, so it’s crucial to check for updates before the tour.

Additionally:

1. Modest attire is required for entry into the basilica and other places of worship.

2. No shorts or sleeveless tops are permitted.

3. Visitors should dress appropriately to avoid being turned away.

4. Following these guidelines ensures a seamless and respectful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allotted for Free Exploration During the Tour?

The tour allots 60 minutes for free exploration, allowing visitors to discover Assisi’s landmarks like the San Rufino Cathedral, Basilica of Saint Clare, and Piazza del Comune at their own pace.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, some tour providers may offer reduced rates for these groups, so it’s best to check with the tour operator directly for any available discounts.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

The tour can be customized to include additional sites, though this may incur an extra cost. Guests should check with the tour provider about the availability and pricing of customized options to meet their specific interests.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Walking Tour?

The maximum group size for this walking tour isn’t specified. However, the tour operates on a per-person basis, so group size likely won’t affect the experience. Availability may be limited, so it’s best to check with the tour provider.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Basilica of Saint Francis?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Basilica of St. Francis, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting other guests or the sacred atmosphere. It’s best to check with the tour guide or basilica staff for any specific guidelines.

The Sum Up

This guided walking tour of Assisi offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the city’s rich history and captivating architecture. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Basilica of Saint Francis, renowned for its exquisite frescoes, while exploring other key landmarks like the San Rufino Cathedral and Basilica of Saint Clare. With high customer ratings, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the enchanting charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can check availability for your dates here: