The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is in Assisi’s Santa Maria degli Angeli district, and admission is free. It encloses the Porziuncola and other places associated with Saint Francis. For visitors searching “domus pacis assisi,” the basilica’s location, history and practical details are outlined below. Spello is another nearby destination for a day trip from Assisi.
- Address: Piazza Porziuncola, 1.
- Admission to the basilica is free.
- The basilica was built from 1569 to 1679.
- Santa Maria degli Angeli is 4 km from Assisi’s historic centre.
Where is the basilica in Assisi?
What can you see inside the basilica?
The Porziuncola is the small original church beneath the basilica’s dome. Saint Francis restored it, and it became one of the most important places for the Franciscan Order. Its altarpiece, painted by Father Ilario da Viterbo in 1393, depicts the Annunciation at the centre and scenes of the Pardon of Assisi around it.
The basilica also contains the Chapel of the Transit, where Saint Francis died, as well as a Rose Garden and a Rose Chapel. The large basilica was designed by Galeazzo Alessi at the behest of Pope Pius V to enclose and protect the Porziuncola, the Chapel of the Transit, the Rose Garden and other places associated with Saint Francis.
What is the basilica’s history?
Construction took place from 1569 to 1679. Earthquakes severely damaged the basilica in 1832; after restoration directed by architect Luigi Poletti, it reopened for worship on 8 September 1840.
Cesare Bazzani redesigned the façade, which was inaugurated on 8 June 1930. A large gilded bronze statue of the Virgin stands at its summit.
The Porziuncola Indulgence, also called the Pardon of Assisi, is observed every year in August; the observance runs from 31 July to 2 August. Visitors arriving by train can use this guide to the route from Assisi’s train station to the historic centre.
Planning a visit
Admission is free. Audio guides and guided tours by reservation are available, along with restrooms, an information point and shops. The basilica is accessible, and its entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible. There is no cloakroom or refreshment point. Assisi Garden offers rooms at Assisi Garden.
Opening hours and Mass schedules can change, so check the official site before you go. The basilica’s posted daily opening hours are 07:30–12:30 and 14:30–19:00, with continuous opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays until 1 November. Entry for Mass is permitted from 06:30.
FAQs
Is the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli free to enter?
Yes. Admission to the basilica is free.
What is the Porziuncola?
It is the small original church beneath the basilica’s dome, restored by Saint Francis.
Where is the basilica?
It is at Piazza Porziuncola, 1, in the Santa Maria degli Angeli district of Assisi.