The village of Santa Maria degli Angeli lies some four kilometres south of the centre of Assisi. It's home to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the huge 17th century cathedral (largely rebuilt after the 1832 earthquake) which contains the most holy relic of the Franciscan order, the Porzuincola. This tiny chapel, the home of St Francis himself back in the 13th century, now sits in the basement of the cathedral.
Head into Assisi proper and there is an enormous amount to see, including of course the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, the Basilica of San Rufino and the Basilica of Santa Chiari. Assisi has no shortage of cathedrals then, nor visitors ... in the summer months it can become very busy. It's a delightful town nonetheless, rising impressively above the plain below, and at heart a charming Umbrian hilltown. Other sights include the two medieval castles (the larger being the Rocca Maggiore) and the Classical remains of the Foro Romano e Collezione Archeologica, with the Tempio di Minerva. There is a Roman amphitheatre near Porta Perlici and the beautifully restored Romanesque church of San Pietro is a must see. Assisi has plenty of good bars and restaurants, though be warned that prices can be steep, with tourist menus predominating - better to head out of town and into rural Umbria a little.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Santa Maria degli Angeli hotels.
