The hill town of Assisi in central Italy is not just another stop on a map of medieval architecture or Tuscan views. It is the home of the Basilica of Saint Francis, a place where pilgrims for centuries have come seeking not only beauty and history but the presence of the saint himself. Francis of Assisi, the humble friar who renounced wealth for a life of simplicity, left behind not only his order and writings but also a legacy that continues to draw people into deeper reflection about how to live rightly. The basilica, built in his honor, is one of the central destinations for Catholic devotion, yet its influence extends well beyond denominational lines.
In this article, we’ll look at what pilgrims experience when they walk the streets of Assisi, how they can plan their pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Francis, and why this place remains one of the most significant centers of devotion in the Christian world.
The Pilgrim’s Experience in Assisi
A pilgrimage to Assisi is less about covering long miles than it is about slowing down to walk at the pace of prayer. The town itself sits on the slopes of Mount Subasio, and arriving there—whether by bus, train, or on foot—you immediately see why it became the cradle of Francis’s vision. Stone walls, olive groves, and narrow medieval streets make every step feel as though you are entering another time.
The basilica dominates the western edge of the town, built into the hillside in two levels. The Lower Basilica, dark and quiet, is the place where pilgrims kneel close to the tomb of Saint Francis. It feels like a crypt but also a sanctuary of stillness, where the stone arches seem to press pilgrims closer to the earth, reminding them of Francis’s humility and his love for “Sister Death,” as he called the end of earthly life.
Above it rises the Upper Basilica, filled with light. Here, Giotto’s frescoes tell the story of Francis’s life: the son of a wealthy merchant who gave up everything to follow Christ, who preached to birds, who bore the stigmata, who lived and died poor but rich in faith. Pilgrims often describe the transition between the Lower and Upper Basilica as a journey itself—descending into humility, then rising into vision and joy.
Outside the basilica, Assisi’s streets encourage reflection. The town has other holy sites, including the Basilica of Saint Clare and the small church of San Damiano, where Francis heard the call to “rebuild my Church.” But even walking the cobblestone paths is part of the pilgrimage, as the rhythm of slow steps matches the rhythm of prayer.
Why Pilgrims Come
Pilgrims come to Assisi not only to venerate Francis but to seek what he represents. Francis lived in an age of wealth and war, yet he turned radically toward simplicity, poverty, and service. For many modern pilgrims, the attraction is the same: a chance to step away from the noise of consumer culture and rediscover what really matters.
In the basilica, pilgrims often report a sense of peace that feels different from many other sacred sites. There is grandeur, yes, but it is tempered by the presence of the saint who wanted nothing grand for himself. To kneel at his tomb is to face the challenge he left to all Christians: to live with less, to give more, and to see the sacred in all creatures.
For others, the draw is artistic and cultural. The frescoes in the Upper Basilica are some of the most influential in Western art, shaping how the world visualizes Francis and his ideals. Yet even those who come for art or history find themselves caught in the spiritual power of the place.
How to Plan a Pilgrimage to Assisi
Getting There
Assisi is well connected by rail and road. From Rome, it’s about a two-hour train ride to the nearby station of Santa Maria degli Angeli, from which local buses or taxis climb the hill to Assisi itself. Many pilgrims combine their visit with other Italian holy sites, such as Rome, Siena, or La Verna (where Francis received the stigmata).
Where to Stay
The town offers everything from simple pilgrim hostels run by Franciscan communities to hotels and guesthouses. Staying within the old town gives the fullest experience, as you can walk the same narrow streets Francis once did and attend evening prayers in the basilica.
Timing the Visit
Assisi welcomes pilgrims year-round, but feast days are especially significant. October 4th, the Feast of Saint Francis, draws large crowds, while smaller numbers come in spring and fall for milder weather. Summer can be hot and crowded, but still lively with international pilgrims.
Pilgrim Practices
At the basilica, pilgrims usually spend time in silent prayer at the tomb, then walk through the frescoes of the Upper Basilica. Many also visit the Basilica of Saint Clare, where the saint’s body rests, and San Damiano, a short walk downhill. Attending Mass, offered regularly in the basilica, is a central part of the pilgrimage.
Walking the Via San Francesco, a route that connects the basilica with other Franciscan sites in town, allows pilgrims to retrace key steps of Francis’s life. Some choose to extend their pilgrimage on foot, joining longer trails like the “Cammino di Francesco” (Way of St. Francis), which links Florence, La Verna, Assisi, and Rome.
The Spiritual Impact
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is more than a monument; it is a living reminder of a life radically lived for God and others. Pilgrims who come here often describe leaving with a new perspective. Some find renewed strength to live more simply, others a deeper call to serve, and still others a sense of peace that stays with them long after they’ve returned home.
Francis’s message is not bound by centuries. In an age marked by ecological crises, his Canticle of the Creatures—praising Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and all creation—feels more urgent than ever. Pilgrims leave Assisi reminded that the life of faith is not only about prayer and worship but about how one treats the world, one’s neighbors, and even the smallest of God’s creatures.
Conclusion
A pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Francis is not about checking off a landmark. It is about being confronted with the radical simplicity of a man who gave up everything to gain what cannot be taken away. Assisi asks each pilgrim the same question Francis answered with his life: what is truly worth living for?
To stand at his tomb, to walk his streets, and to see the art that preserves his story is to enter a dialogue with a saint who, even eight centuries later, still speaks. Pilgrims leave Assisi lighter, not because they have left behind their burdens, but because they have learned from Francis how to carry them with humility and joy.
