Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi : info and guided tour

Presentation of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is one of Italy’s most famous sanctuaries. Built on the hill overlooking Assisi, it forms, together with the convent, a vast religious complex dedicated to Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan order. Located at piazza Inferiore di S. Francesco, it attracts visitors every year because of its spiritual and artistic importance.

The site includes two superimposed churches, the lower basilica and the upper basilica, connected to the crypt where Saint Francis rests. This architectural arrangement, remarkable for its time, reflects the rise of Franciscan devotion. The complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Assisi’s historic center.

The basilica is especially known for its medieval frescoes, among the most important in Italy. They were created by several major workshops and artists of the period, and decorate the vaults, chapels, and walls. The scenes devoted to the life of Saint Francis are among the monument’s most admired features.

Beyond its religious significance, the site impresses with the quality of its Gothic architecture and the sobriety of certain spaces, in contrast with the richness of the paintings. The upper basilica also offers beautiful views over Assisi, while the lower basilica immerses visitors in a more contemplative atmosphere.

Discover Assisi with a private guide

A private guide can help you better understand the basilica by putting its history, its two levels, and the frescoes that made it famous into context. In Assisi, this guidance also makes it possible to connect the monument with the figure of Saint Francis and the essential place he holds in the city.