The city of Assisi is not only the geographic centre but also the spiritual core of the St Francis Way or Cammino di Francesco: many essential sites linked to the life of Saint Francis are located in this unique city sanctuary, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art, architecture and unique history.
The same way pilgrims to Rome traditionally visited the city’s most important ‘seven churches’, following a city pilgrimage that would allow them to receive the Jubilee indulgence; pilgrims to Assisi can follow a similar trail, visiting churches in and around the city, all related to the life and work of Saint Francis, San Francesco.
The Basilica of St Francis or Basilica di San Francesco is undoubtedly the most important site for visitors and pilgrims to Assisi, as it is here where you will find the tomb of Saint Francis, in a crypt under the altar. It is composed of two superimposed churches. But there are other ‘seven churches’ you shouldn’t miss in Assisi.
These are the must-see churches of Assisi on the St Francis Way:
1- Duomo di San Rufino or St Rufino Cathedral, where young Francis was baptised and became a Christian.
2- Basilica of Santa Chiara. Meeting Chiara (Clare) changed Saint Francis’s life. In the basilica’s crypt, you will find the remains of St Clare (founder of the Order of Poor Clares), as well as other relics such as the cowl, the breviary of Francis and some hair inside a casket.
3- The New Church, built on the site of St Francis’ birthplace.
4- The church of Santa Maria Maggiore, near the ancient cathedral of Assisi, was the residence of Bishop Francis. Here, he made the dramatic gesture of undressing, getting rid of his material possessions.
5- Church of San Damiano. This small church was built by Saint Francis and is now incorporated into the convent. It played a central role in the life of Francis: it is here where he lived with his first companions in the service to the poor and the lepers, begging and preaching in the streets of Assisi.
6- The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is where the Franciscan community was given the rules of the order and where Francis left his earthly life, dying naked on the ground. Inside the monastery, you will find a famous rose garden, where Francis threw himself to atone for his sins: the plant miraculously missed all the thorns and didn’t hurt the saint’s body in any way. Even today, the rose has no thorns.
7- The church of Rivotorto is another essential building (a few km outside the city), where Francis and the first Franciscan fraternity lived for a while.
A visit to the Pilgrims Oratory is also highly recommended. It takes on a special significance for those arriving on foot, as it hosts a rich series of frescoes related to Saint James and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela: the Camino de Santiago.
Contact us for more information about the St Francis Way or to book your walking holiday on the St Francis Way.
