Set in central Italy in the Province of Perugia in the Umbria region is an ancient hill town with a deep history which runs throughout. Assisi is set within picturesque surroundings, with Monte Subasio watching over the town and the beautiful green pastures spanning far and wide below its perch. Perhaps the town is best known for its religious history, having been the place where St Francis was born and found his order, and as such has become a popular pilgrimage site.
However, according to a new ranking from travel money provider John Lewis Finance, the town has also been named a great holiday destination for tourists who want to fill their time with culture and experience, without overspending.
The ranking places Assisi in the number one position as the “best European city break that won’t break the bank” beating the links of Dubrovnik, Florence and Venice. “The research found that Assisi in Italy boasts the highest number of top-rated free attractions per capita, with 21 options to explore across an area with a population of just under 28,000 people,” said John Lewis Finance in its report.
“Following closely are Dubrovnik, Croatia, with 27 attractions and Chania, Greece, with 21.”
You can while away the hours simply walking around and soaking up the impressive views, but if you do want to learn more, Assisi has plenty of options that won’t even require your purse.
John Lewis Finance’s experts added: “Known as one of the best-preserved mediaeval towns in the world, Assisi is an ideal city break destination. According to the research, top-rated free attractions include the Historic Centre, home to the captivating Basilica of St Francis, built in 1228.
“Located just a short distance from Assisi, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Church of San Damiano, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Admission to this historic site is free, inviting visitors to explore its rich heritage and significance.”
Lonely Planet has described the heart of the town, the historic centre, as “pristine”, adding that Basilica di San Francesco is one of “Italy’s most celebrated artistic masterpieces”. The basilica first began construction in 1228 and is home to two churches and a crypt.
Entrance for individual visitors is free and no ticket is required. However, if you want to learn a little more about the basilica then you can purchase an audio guide or book a guided tour with a friar.
Given the town’s surroundings, there are also plenty of beautiful walks and trails to enjoy in the area. When it comes to food, you can anticipate lots of authentic trattorias and ristorantes serving up Umbrian cuisine such as strangozzi all’ umbra, a type of spaghetti made with flour, water and salt. Local wine is also a big hit here, sourced from the multiple vineyards in the nearby region.
