Assisi, Italy: Home to St. Francis & St. Clare
Assisi is a beautiful hilltop town in central Italy, located in the Umbria region. It’s most famous as the birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, and it’s a major pilgrimage site. The town is known for its medieval architecture, stunning views, and historic landmarks like the Basilica of San Francesco and the Basilica of Saint Clare.
About Saint Francis of Assisi:
The town of Assisi is best known as the birthplace and home to Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was a fun-loving young man from a well-to-do family, and dramatically changed his life because of a call from God to “rebuild My Church which is in ruin.”
This change resulted in his father disowning him and Francis willingly gave up everything he once held dear to embrace “Lady Poverty”.
Francis was not a priest, because he did not feel he was worthy enough (he was a deacon). He was the first known person to receive the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, which he received on September 17, 1224. St. Francis died during the evening of October 3, 1226, and his feast is celebrated October 4th.
His soul mate, St. Clare was one of his most devoted followers. Clare was also from a wealthy family, and encountered much opposition because of choosing to follow Francis instead of the lifestyle planned for her in marriage.
Among the places you should visit in Assisi are the following:
Basilica of Saint Clare of Assisi
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels
La Verna: Where Saint Francis received the Stigmata
Mount Subasio: The Sanctuary of Ermo delle Carceri:
Parish Church of Saint Mary Major & Santiario della Spogliazione (tomb of Carlo Acutis)
San Damiano: Chapel where Saint Francis received his mission
Traveling to Assisi:
Assisi is included in many Catholic tours of Italy, so if this is on your “must see” list check to be sure that the one you choose does include Assisi, and see how much time you will be staying there. Some have a day trip from Rome or Florence, others spend a night or two here. In our opinion anything less than two days will not do justice to the town and its many sites.
If you are traveling independently, you can reach Assisi by train from Rome or other cities. Most trains go to Foligno, where you change trains and continue on to Assisi. Total travel time is about 3 hours. There is occasionally a direct train from Rome that takes about 2 hours. From Florence there are several direct trains, taking about 2 1/2 hours travel time. Get train & bus schedules, fares, buy tickets here.