Day trip from Rome to Assisi

Plan a couple of extra days during your trip to Rome, so that you have the chance to explore other beautiful towns in Central Italy!
Rome is very well connected to many historic places full of art and culture that are worth a day trip. Among them, we especially suggest you to take the time to visit Assisi, a small town in Umbria Region that will surely impress you with its architecture and its rich history.

Why visiting Assisi?

One of the main reasons is its panoramic location on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of this part of Italy. Assisi is also the hometown of S. Francesco and S. Chiara, who are very important Italian Saints that are celebrated with two of the most impressive churches of Central Italy.

Getting from Rome to Assisi: Transport Options

Just a couple of hours away from Rome, Assisi can be easily reached by a variety of modes of transportation:

By Train
If you’re after comfort and convenience, traveling from Rome to Assisi by train could be your best bet. Starting at Rome’s central station, Roma Termini, you should be in Assisi within two to three hours. Trenitalia, the state-owned train operator, runs numerous services during the day. Tickets can be purchased either from the train station or online in advance. The journey costs around 20 euros one way.

Pros	Cons
– Fast and convenient. – Beautiful countryside views.	– May be crowded during peak times. – Trains may not always keep to the set schedule.

By Car
If the journey is as much a part of your adventure as the destination itself, then consider driving. Rent a car and head north on the A1 motorway, and you’ll reach Assisi in about 2.5 hours depending on the traffic. This gives you the freedom to stop and take in the serene, beautiful landscapes of Umbria at your own pace.

Pros	Cons
– Freedom to explore at leisure. – The possibility of taking detours to explore other interesting towns or countryside.	– Renting a car can be expensive. – Driving in Italy can be stressful for the uninitiated because of the fast-paced driving norms.

By Bus
The bus is one of the most economical ways to go from Rome to Assisi. Flixbus operates several buses a day from Rome’s Tiburtina station to Assisi. The trip takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Tickets can be bought online or on the spot at the bus station and cost around 10-15 euros one-way.

Pros	Cons
– Cheapest option. – Good for those on a tight budget.	– Takes longer compared to the train or car. – The bus schedule may not align with your preferred travel times.

What to see in Assisi

Nested within the heart of Italy is the evocative town of Assisi. Blessed with stunning vistas of rolling hills and lush valleys, Assisi is a place that represents the soulful rustic charm of Italy better than any other place in the country. Known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, Assisi is renowned worldwide as a masterstroke of medieval art and architecture. This radiant city is a medley of serene monasteries, bustling local markets, and ancient ruins waiting to narrate their timeless tales. 

What follows is a comprehensive guide to the must-visit attractions in Assisi, complete with details about their opening hours, address, price, and official website.

Basilica di San Francesco

Arguably the most famous attraction in Assisi, the Basilica di San Francesco is an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Italian Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The basilica, a two-level church, represents the stunning dichotomy of the humble and the opulent. The lower church astonishes with its strikingly austere interior, while the upper church wows with its grandiosity and magnificent frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis.

Basilica di Santa Chiara

The Church of Santa Chiara, an epitome of elegance in simplicity, is another must-see on your trip to Assisi. The church holds historical significance as it is dedicated to Saint Chiara (Clare), one of Saint Francis’ earliest followers and the founder of the Order of Poor Clares. This serene and austere church is built with pink and white stones, a typical building material in Assisi, and has a beautiful rose window. Inside, you can admire frescoes recounting the life of Santa Chiara and visit the crypt where the saint’s remains lie. Furthermore, the church houses the Byzantine crucifix that, according to the tradition, talked to S. Francesco. Make sure to also take the time to explore the beautiful cloister attached to the church.

Tempio di Minerva

A remarkable example of Roman architecture, Tempio di Minerva, boasts magnificent Corinthian columns that have stood the test of time. Originally a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva, it later became the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Discover its unique transformation evident in an array of exquisite architectural styles.

Cattedrale di San Rufino

Step inside the weathered stone walls of the Cattedrale di San Rufino to experience a spiritual sanctuary of tranquility and beauty. This imposing structure where St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized is a hallmark of Umbrian Romanesque style. Explore this cathedral’s intriguing history while marvelling at the impressive, decorated façade and rosette windows that fill the space with warm, ethereal light.

Rocca Maggiore

Perched high above the town, Rocca Maggiore offers breathtaking panoramic views of Assisi and the surrounding Umbrian countryside. This medieval fortress, built in 1174, boasts a compelling historical significance extending its allure beyond the magnificent vistas. Traverse through the labyrinth of tunnels and old chambers and don’t miss the adventurous climb up to the top of the tower. 

Chiesa di San Pietro

Verses of history, religion, and architecture flow seamlessly together in the splendid edifice of the Chiesa di San Pietro. With roots tracing back to the 10th Century, this ancient church dazzles with its stunning baroque decor. Don’t miss the exquisite pieces of art within – altarpieces by Ventura, Salimbeni, and the coveted “Madonna delle Grazie” by Perugino. 

Your Itinerary for the Perfect One-Day Trip to Assisi from Rome

Morning: The Train Journey from Rome to Assisi

Good morning, bright-eyed explorers! The first rule of making the most of a day trip is to start early, of course. Quench your thirst with a cup of traditional Italian espresso and nibble on a delightful Cornetto at any local café in Rome. Now that you’re all fueled up, head toward Roma Termini, the city’s main train station, for an approximately two-hour journey to Assisi.

The scenic journey from Rome to Assisi is not only efficient but captivating. As your train glides through Umbria’s countryside, you’ll be treated to soothing visuals of lush olive grove-dotted landscapes and enchanting hilltop towns. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Orvieto’s towering cathedral, a remarkable spectacle you’ll pass along the way. 

Late Morning: A Walk to Basilica di San Francesco

Now that you have arrived at Assisi station, hop on the local bus line C to reach the heart of this charming town. You’ll be stepping off at Piazza Matteotti, from where the world-famous Basilica di San Francesco is just a short walk away.

Majestically perched high up on the hill, the Basilica of Saint Francis is sure to take your breath away with its vibrant frescos and fascinating history. Comprising two churches – the Upper Church and the Lower Church – every inch of this basilica tells a story about the life of Saint Francis. While both churches display impressive Gothic and Romanesque architectures, their stark difference in ambiance and décor is a real got-to-see. 

Remember to maintain a respectful silence as the site is a place of ongoing worship. 

Afternoon: Discover Assisi’s Historical Treasures

After a morning spent in the divine presence of Saint Francis, take some time to wander through the labyrinthine lanes of this medieval town. Marvel at the well-preserved stone buildings on Via San Francesco, snack on some local goodies at Piazza Comune, and don’t miss the Roman ruins beneath the present-day city square. 

A visit to the Church of Santa Chiara, where Saint Chiara, a follower of Saint Francis, is buried, is a must. This beautiful pink and white stone church is another treasure worth diving into Assisi’s spiritual history. 

As you stroll through the alleyways of Assisi, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the Slow Food philosophy that sweeps this part of Italy. When you’re feeling peckish, stop by a local tratoria or osteria to sample local Umbrian cuisine – think rich truffle pasta, hearty lentil soup and black celery accompanied by the full-bodied Sagrantino wine; buon appetito!

Late Afternoon: Visiting Assisi’s Castle and Rocca Maggiore

Round off your day tour with a visit to Rocca Maggiore, a medieval fortress crowning Assisi. It is quite a climb, but the rewarding views of torn-cloud skies merging with sweeping vistas of the town and the Umbrian countryside are well worth the sweat.

Take a moment to roam around the mysterious corridors and explore the open-air viewpoints of this ancient castle. This is the perfect moment to capture some beautiful pictures to commemorate your day trip to Assisi.

Evening: Train Back to Rome

As the sun starts to paint pastel hues across the vast Italian sky, it’s time to say Arrivederci to this blessed town of Assisi. From the Saint Francis capital of peace, take a return bus to the train station and find yourself a comfortable seat on the train back to Rome.

Though it was just a day, the tranquility and history of Assisi is enough to provide a refreshing escape from the bustle of Rome. As your train pulls into Roma Termini, carry with you new insight into Italian history, treasured photographs of the Umbrian countryside, and a soul more at peace than before. 

There’s something beautiful about the deeply embodied heritage of Assisi that calls travelers back again and again. So, who knows, you might soon find yourself planning another day-trip to this charming spiritual hub of Italy!