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If it hadn't have been for St Francis, then Assisi would probably be a pretty, if not overwhelmingly visited Umbrian hilltown. As it is, the crowds can get a little much here at times, but Assisi is a must-see, with its extraordinary collection of medieval devotional buildings. There is the magnificent 13th century Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi. This 13th century triumph, which was begun just after Francis's canonisation in 1228 and completed a mere 25 years later, comprises the monastery and the upper and lower church - with frescoes on the saint's life by Giotto and Cimabue. Other sights include the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral of St Rufino, the Basilica di Santa Chiara and the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, with the Porzioncula (an extraordinary miniature church). Other sights in the town are a brace of medieval castles (the largest of which is the Rocca Maggiore), the very good Pinacoteca (art gallery and the 15th century pilgrims' hospice of the Oratorio dei Pellegrini. Check out the Duomo, and wonder how many cathedrals a small Umbrian hilltown can have. It is neighboured by the Museo Capitolare. See too the Roman Amphitheatre, east of the Duomo. The whole fabric of the town is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Protection of the town became all the more essential following the damage wrought by the 1997 earthquake of course. Catholic pilgrims will love Assisi, while anyone with any interest in history should be fascinated by the incredible artistic fruits of a solid, medieval religious cult. The bird and animal loving San Francesco and his followers 'built' the Assisi we enjoy today.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Assisi hotels.
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