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St Francis Basilica, Assisi © Italian Tourist Office

Overview
The picturesque hill town of Assisi, to the east of Perugia, is famous as the birthplace of St Francis, a 12th-century monk who founded the Franciscan order, devoted to achieving an 'abundance of the divine' through the practices of ascetism, poverty and chastity. Tourists and pilgrims flock to the bustling town for inspiration and worship, and a multitude of annual conferences, festivals and other religious activities are also dedicated to this aim. Approaching the town of Assisi is a visual spectacle of shimmering white marble buildings perched halfway up Mount Subasio. The town is set against the backdrop of the towering 14th-century hill fortress of the Rocca Maggiore, a landmark with which to orientate oneself from inside the city's medieval ramparts while on holiday. The most loved and visited church in Italy is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, containing frescoes by Giotto commemorating the life of St Francis. Other notable works include paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini's frescoes based on the life of St Martin. St Francis' tomb rests below the lower church, also worth visiting when on holiday on Assisi.

Nearby Attractions

Assisi

Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St Francis, one of Italy's two patron saints, and is perched on a hilltop surrounded by the stunning countryside of Umbria. With its winding streets, Roman ruins and beautiful churches, Assisi has changed little since medieval...  see full details

Activities

Cooking Lessons
Tuscany is known for its Italian culinary flair, and is home to many schools and holiday destinations offering Italian cookery lessons and courses. Visitors are invited to learn the delicious art of preparing and cooking homemade pasta, pizza, olive oil and Pecorino cheese. Many of the culinary institutes provide accommodation in exquisite villas, as well as planned excursions to vineyards and olive groves. The most popular places for cookery lessons in Tuscany are in the city of Florence or in the Lucca and Grosseto areas, both of which also offer historic sightseeing and various cultural experiences such as a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, traditional music, local theatre and art exhibitions. Lessons vary from introductory classes, which teach a basic knowledge of Italian food and wine, to advanced courses taught by top Italian chefs. The duration of the courses are also optional, offering anything from 3 days to a full week of lessons. This could be an opportunity to learn and taste Tuscan recipes that have been enjoyed through the ages, drenched in tradition and flavour.