An Assisi walking tour can link the Basilica of Saint Francis with Piazza del Comune, the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Saint Clare. The route follows Via San Francesco into the old town, then continues between its main squares and churches.
- Route: Basilica of Saint Francis, Via San Francesco, Piazza del Comune, Cathedral of San Rufino and Basilica of Saint Clare.
- From Assisi Garden: Assisi city centre is about 31 minutes on foot from a hotel in Assisi.
- Church visits: The Basilica of Saint Francis is open during daytime hours; the Basilica of Saint Clare publishes separate morning and afternoon hours.
- Museum option: The Museo Diocesano e Cripta di San Rufino has set weekly hours and free admission.
Starting a walking tour in Assisi
Start at the Basilica of Saint Francis, then follow Via San Francesco toward Piazza del Comune. This gives your Assisi historic centre walk a clear sequence: begin at the basilica complex, take the street that links it to the town’s central square, and continue to the churches farther into the historic centre.
The Basilica of Saint Francis stands at Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco, 2. Its opening is described as daytime, while worship-service hours are handled separately by the parish. If you plan to go inside, check the official site before you go, as hours and admission arrangements can change.
The municipality provides a wheelchair-accessible bathroom and parking at the Basilica of Saint Francis. These details apply to the basilica; they do not establish accessibility along the full walking route.
From the Basilica of Saint Francis into the old town
Via San Francesco connects the Basilica of Saint Francis with Piazza del Comune, making it the natural next leg of this walk. The municipal page places the public library in Palazzo Vallemani on the same route.
Walk along Via San Francesco toward the square, then pause at Piazza del Comune before continuing to San Rufino and Saint Clare. The sequence keeps the central piazza between the basilica and the two churches, rather than sending you back and forth across town.
If you want a fuller day plan built around the historic centre, a one-day route through Assisi gives that itinerary its own focus.
What should you see at Piazza del Comune?
Piazza del Comune is Assisi’s long-standing political, social and cultural centre, and the Temple of Minerva is its most distinctive ancient landmark. The city describes the square as serving those roles for more than 2,000 years.
The Temple of Minerva dates to the 1st century BC and has a six-column Corinthian façade. Take time to view the temple as part of the piazza, then continue toward the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Saint Clare.
For a hilltop stop beyond this central walking sequence, the guide to visiting Rocca Maggiore covers that separate destination.
How do you continue to San Rufino and Saint Clare?
From Piazza del Comune, continue to the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Saint Clare to extend the walk through Assisi’s principal church landmarks. San Rufino is at Piazza San Rufino, 3; Saint Clare is at Piazza Santa Chiara, 1.
The Basilica of Saint Clare has morning hours from 06:30 to 12:00 and afternoon hours from 14:00 to 17:45, extending to 18:45 during daylight-saving time. On Saturdays, Sundays and specified public holidays, it has continuous hours from 06:30 to 17:45, or 18:45 during daylight-saving time; it closes after Vespers. These times are the last permitted entry.
The Museo Diocesano e Cripta di San Rufino is another stop in this part of the town. The municipality provides wheelchair-accessible entry to the museum and crypt, not to the cathedral itself. If the museum interests you, its opening and visit details can help you plan that stop.
Allowing time for churches and museums
Opening hours differ between the churches and museum, so check each official listing before you set out. The Basilica of Saint Francis is described as open during daytime hours, while the Museo Diocesano e Cripta di San Rufino has specific weekly hours.
The museum is open 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10:00–17:00 on Saturday; and 11:00–17:00 on Sunday. It is closed on Wednesday. Admission is free.
For the Basilica of Saint Clare, use the separate morning and afternoon schedule above, including the longer continuous hours on Saturdays, Sundays and specified public holidays. As these opening details can change, check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Which landmarks can you include on an Assisi walking tour?
A central route can connect the Basilica of Saint Francis, Via San Francesco, Piazza del Comune, the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Saint Clare.
What is the Temple of Minerva?
It is a Roman temple on Piazza del Comune dating to the 1st century BC, with a six-column Corinthian façade.
Is the Museo Diocesano e Cripta di San Rufino free?
Yes. The city provides free admission, along with weekly opening hours and wheelchair-accessible entry to the museum and crypt.
Are the Basilica of Saint Francis and Basilica of Saint Clare open at the same times?
No. The Basilica of Saint Francis is described as open during daytime hours, while Saint Clare has morning, afternoon and some continuous-day schedules. Check the official listings before visiting.