Mt. Subasio, which dominates over the surrounding landscape, has become a Regional Natural Park renowned for its habitat, secular holm-oaks and natural trails that lead to meditation spots such as the Carceri Hermitage, which began as a small oratory and now serves as a monastery and place of worship.

Even from afar, Assisi appears to the visitor with numerous churches, bell towers and houses, which continue to be surrounded by ancient medieval walls, with the unmistakable and imposing construction of the Basilica of St. Francis and the fortress of Rocca Maggiore that looms over from above.

Not only does the city boast an important artistic and cultural history, as attested to by Palazzo dei Priori and the Municipal Art Gallery, it has also always been a destination for pilgrims from the Christian world. Assisi has numerous basilicas, the most important of which is undoubtedly the Basilica of St. Francis, divided between the Upper Basilica (completely covered with frescoes from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and where the famous Cycle of the Life of Saint Francis painted by Giotto is preserved) and the Lower Basilica (the first architectural complex constructed). The Basilica of St. Clare houses the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis and, in the crypt, a sarcophagus with the bones of the saint. The Church of San Damiano, is where the conversion of St. Francis took place. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, (located in the village by the same name), houses the Porziuncola, where St. Francis gathered his first religious community, and the Chapel of the Transit, where the Poor Saint died in 1226.

The Assisi territory includes other lovely towns, such as Bettona, the Etruscan balcony with its charming panoramic views, and Cannara, renowned for its famous red onion.

The local craftsmen continue the wrought iron-, copper- and wood-working tradition. Deserving of special mention is the embroidery style known as “Assisi Stitch”, used to embellish tablecloths, handkerchiefs and bed linens with simple yet extremely elegant designs and decorations.

Without a doubt the undisputed stars of Assisi’s gastronomy are the D.O.C wines and the Umbrian D.O.P. olive oil that are served with characteristic  dishes with intense aromas and distinct flavours, such as the famous Cannara onion, Mt. Subasio honey and Bastia Umbra’s roast pork.