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Assisi is a small medieval town of about 25,000 people perched on a hill in Umbria, central Italy. It is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi—patron saint of Italy, founder of the Franciscan order, and one of the most popular Catholic saints in history. Assisi's main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis, which contains the sacred relics of Francis and beautiful frescoes of his life. And there are at least seven other churches well worth visiting for their history, beauty, and connection with Francis or his friend Clare.
Assisi is still much as it was during the days of its favorite son, who was born here in 1182, son of a wealthy cloth merchant. Shrines to the beloved St Francis are dotted throughout the town, including the humble hermitage where he came for peace and meditation.
Yet being the home of St. Francis is only part of Assisi's appeal. With its narrow, winding streets, stone houses and piazzas filled with flowers, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its significant influence on art and architecture. Other highlights of the town include a 14th-century fortress, Rocca Maggiore, offering stunning views of the valley below, and the Chiesa di Santa Chiara, a 13th-century church dedicated to the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies.
Bounded by fortified walls, Assisi is located in the verdant region of Umbria, known as 'the green heart of Italy', and is easily reachable from Rome. Its festivals, shops, excellent restaurants, monuments, panoramic views and the landscapes of Umbria attract tourists from all over the world.