WHAT TO SEE IN ASSISI

With its rich history, outstanding basilicas and churches, beautiful piazzas, ancient castle and Roman ruins, Assisi sure has a lot of things to see! These are my absolute favorite places, but there are many more things to see:

Piazza Santa Chiara and Santa Chiara Church

The outstanding Piazza Santa Chiara is a must-see piazza. Here you will see a fantastic panoramic view of the Umbrian countryside that will simply make your jaw drop. And of course, don’t miss out on the fabulous Basilica di Santa Chiara, the church dedicated to St. Clare, a follower of St. Francis of Assisi.

Piazza del Comune and Museum of Roman Assisi

This Piazza is the center of Assisi and it’s a major example of medieval Umbrian architecture. The Roman Temple of Minerva has been transformed into a church and a footstep away, you will find the underground Museum of Roman Assisi, excavated because the medieval assisi was built on top of Roman Assisi. Here you will get a feeling of how Roman life was.

Basilica di San Francesco and Bosco di San Francesco

From piazza del comune all the roads lead down to St. Francis’s Basilica. If you choose the road on the right (on the side of Temple of Minerva), you will have very nice views of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Perugia and the countryside. If you go down Via Portico you will get more of a town vibe and less views. The Basilica of St. Francis is a masterpiece in its own, inside you can admire the frescos of Giotto. If you like nature, don’t forget to take a hike in the Bosco di San Francesco, there is also a nice restaurant, il Mulino, where you can stop by to have a delicious lunch.

Eremo delle carceri

Four kilometres above Assisi on top of the Monte Subasio (there is a trail for those that like to walk) is the ere delle carceri, a hermitage. In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi came here to prey and to contemplate. At a stone bridge the oak till exists, in the branches of which birds were living, whom S.Francis had preached to, as the legend tells. It’s a fabulous place to see, a must!

WHERE TO EAT IN ASSISI

Assisi is a tricky one for eating, as there are so many pilgrims and tourists that sometimes you may end up in a tourist trap. But these are absolute delicious restaurant that will make you fall in love with Umbrian cuisine! And if you like truffles, you’re in the right town!

Trattoria Pallotta

Located in a small side street on Piazza del Commune, Pallotta is an OUTSTANDING family-run restaurant with an intimate vibe. The setting is simple yet elegant and the food is extraordinary, as is the wine selection. If you love truffles this is the place to order the strangozzi al tartufo (pasta with truffles), the cappellacci al miele di fossa (cappellacci with honey and cheese), pappardelle al ragout di anatra e mirtillii (pasta with duck ragout and cranberry sauce) and the best for last, the piccione ghiotto (pigeon). 

Address: Vicolo della Volta Pinta n. 3, Assisi
Phone: +39 075 815 5273
Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday from 12.15pm – 2.30pm / 7.15pm – 11pm
Average price: 35+ EUR

Eat Out Osteria Gourmet in the NUN Hotel

In Piazza Matteotti you’ll find that the best five-star hotel in Assisi also has a fantastic restaurant, the Eat Out Osteria. The setting is contemporary and relaxed and there is also a lovely terrace where you can eat out during the summer. The food here is healthy and simply exquisite. I recommend the linguine bio con carciofi e guanciale (organic pasta with artichokes and bacon), the burger di chianina con carciofi e ananas (chianina burger with artichokes and pineapples) and the pollo alla griglia e insalata verde (grilled chicken with green salad). The wine selection is also great.

Address: Via Eremo delle Carceri, 1A
Phone: +39 075 815 5150
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday from 7.30pm – 10.30pm / Saturday – Sunday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Average price: 40+ EUR

Osteria di San Francesco

Located right in front of St. Francis’s Basilica, Osteria di San Francesco is a charming restaurant with a beautiful view of the Basilica. The setting is lovely and the atmosphere relaxed. The food id DELISH! The artichoke as a starter is wonderful, the risotto with truffles is yummy, the buckwheat lasagna with lentils is WOW and the tortelloni with ricotta, nuts and basil is delicious, as is the duck. They also have a good wine selection.

Address: Via San Francesco 52
Phone: +39 075 812329
Average price: 40+ EUR

Locanda del Cardinale

Located at Piazza del Vescovado is this amazing restaurant where you will eat sophisticated modern Italian and Umbrian cuisine. The restaurant is very characteristic as it’s set on top of the Roman ruins of Assisi and it features a glass floor that allows you to look at the ruins while you eat! It is a very suggestive place, with a delicious seasonal menu that cannot be missed!

Address: Piazza Del Vescovado 8
Phone: +39 075 815245
Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm / 7.30pm – 11pm
Average price: 50+ EUR

Osteria Piazzetta dell’Erba

Just 100 meters from Piazza del Commune, you will find this restaurant with a lovely outdoor area. And for those that prefer dining indoor, a cozy dining room with vaulted ceilings awaits you! But it’s not just the shabby-chic setting that will catch your eye. Once you glance at Osteria Piazzetta dell’Erba’s menu, you will be sold! You will be so sold that you will call to make a reservation for the same evening (hoping to find a table)! Order the zucchini flowers filled with anchovies and mozzarella in a zucchini sauce, the spectacular red shrimp tartare with stracciatella, passion fruit and carasau bread and definitely don’t miss out on the cockerel filled with lard and truffles with a potato cream. 

Address: Via S Gabriele dell Addolorata 15/b
Phone: +39 075 815352
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm / 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Average price: 30+ EUR