In 2000, Assisi was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is considered “a unique example of urban and cultural continuity,” with unique masterpieces such as the Eremo delle Carceri, the Piazza del Comune (with the Temple of Minerva and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo), the Rocca Maggiore and Rocca Minore, the Basilica of Saint Francis and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. With its thousands of years of history, it has influenced world art and architecture, also through the teachings of Saint Francis.
The Eremo delle Carceri is surrounded by a series of natural caves and grottoes used as a refuge by hermits.
The Sanctuary of Rivotorto is an imposing building built to incorporate within it the Sacred Hovel of Saint Francis.
The Sanctuary of San Damiano is the place where Saint Clare and Saint Francis experienced some of the important moments of their consecrated life.
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is the place where Saint Francis renounced his earthly goods before his father and the bishop.
The Chiesa Nuova is considered the house of Saint Francis’s parents and a rare example of 17th-century religious architecture in Assisi.
The Abbey of San Pietro is a sober building with a nave and side aisles that stands out for its elegant Romanesque architecture and its Gothic tombs.
This ancient building, which holds the remains of St. Rufinus, dates from the 8th century. In 1029 the bishop granted it the title of cathedral.
The Basilica of Saint Clare holds the Saint Clare’s remains and was built over the foundations of the Church of San Giorgio, another building connected with her life.
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola houses within it the small church where Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor.
The Basilica of Saint Francis holds the remains of Saint Francis and is located in the historic center of Assisi. Inside it has works by great artists such as Cimabue and Giotto.
The Temple of Minerva was built in the second half of the 1st century BC, was transformed into a Christian church, and today is a symbol of UNESCO values.
The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the adjoining civic tower were built for the magistracy and hold precious works.
The Rocca Minore stands at the foot of Mt. Subasio and is part of Assisi’s medieval defensive system, together with the defensive walls and the Rocca Maggiore.
Defensive bastion of Assisi under the rule of Frederick Barbarossa and later of the Church. Today it is part of the museum circuit.
Built for public purposes, the building still today offers information services and is the home for a number of associations and for welcoming activities, shows and exhibitions.
The People’s Tower is a rectangular building erected together with the People’s Captain’s Palace, next to the so-called Temple of Minerva.
