Assisi: A Hilltop Haven of Art, History, and Spirituality

Photo Credit: Gina Kalliris

One city I will never forget for its art history and continuity of urban culture. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Assisi is one of the most enchanting and culturally rich villages I’ve ever visited. With its honey-coloured stone buildings, winding cobbled streets, and views stretching over valleys and vineyards, it feels like stepping into a living painting. But Assisi isn’t just beautiful — it’s deeply artistically profound and layered with centuries of history.

Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2000, Assisi is described as “a unique example of urban and cultural continuity.” The town has held onto its roots, honouring its Roman past while still pulsing with an abundance of creative and sacred energy.

Walking through Piazza del Comune, I stood in awe at the Temple of Minerva, with its soaring columns, a rare example of well-preserved Roman architecture in Italy. From there, I explored the incredible and unforgettable Basilica of Saint Francis, filled with Giotto’s frescoes of Italian Renaissance art — these works alone are worth the trip.

But it was the silence and serenity of the Eremo delle Carceri, nestled in the woods above the city, that truly moved me. Here, Saint Francis would retreat in solitude. Surrounded by nature, it’s easy to understand why he chose this place.

Top 5 Sites to Visit in Assisi:

1. Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi – with breathtaking frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
2. Eremo delle Carceri – a peaceful sanctuary in the mountains.
3. Piazza del Comune – the beating heart of Assisi, home to the Temple of Minerva.
4. Rocca Maggiore – a medieval fortress offering panoramic views.
5. Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli – housing the Porziuncola, the tiny chapel where Francis began his movement.

Assisi is more than a village — it’s a spiritual, artistic and architectural wonder that stays with you long after you leave.

The featured photo above was taken on the bus on my way to Assisi. Somehow it came out like a water colour painting with the houses frozen (in time) in the foreground whilst the background looks like brushstrokes of paint. This was taken on my manual Nikon SLR film camera. The photos below are of a nuns’ convent as you approach Assisi.

Photos Credit: Gina Kalliris

The photos below are sourced from: GetYourGuide.com