Looking for another charming and historic town to add to your Umbria road trip itinerary? Enter the impressive and medieval Assisi! During Ky’s recent visit to Umbria, he ventured to this gorgeous town for an afternoon, and after wandering the streets, enjoying the food, and soaking up the vibe, it’s definitely one we recommend visiting!
Assisi is one of the ‘busiest’ of the small Umbrian towns, likely due to its proximity to Perugia, the region’s ‘capital’. While the southern towns of Umbria feel practically undiscovered, Assisi sees a few more tour buses—but even at its busiest, it’s far calmer than the seasonal chaos of Tuscany.
The town is filled with stunning architecture and sweeping views, and a quick wander down a quiet side street will quickly have you escaping the crowds. One such side street led Ky to a hidden gem: the Michelin-starred Trattoria Da Erminio, which he stumbled upon at lunchtime and had entirely to himself. For just €13, he enjoyed one of the best pastas of his life—without the tourist buzz. Just note, it gets busy at night, so lunch is the ideal time to visit.
For panoramic views over the town and surrounding hills, take a 5–10 minute walk uphill to the Rocca Maggiore fortress—it’s a climb, but absolutely worth it.
Assisi also carries a bit more ‘vibe’ than some of Umbria’s smaller towns, making it a great option as a base to explore the region.
Steeped in history, Assisi is best known as the birthplace of Saint Francis (San Francesco), the founder of the Franciscan order and one of Italy’s patron saints. As such, it’s a significant pilgrimage site, with many visitors following in his footsteps. The town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its preserved medieval architecture and its profound influence on European art and spirituality. The Basilica of San Francesco, home to masterpieces by Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, and Giotto, is a must-visit and offers a deep insight into Assisi’s artistic and religious legacy.
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