Assisi’s old town is very characteristic with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. The churches are the city’s main attraction and in particular the St. Francis Basilica that treasures paintings by masters such as Giotto, Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti and others. Ermeo delle Carceri on Mount Subasio was the retreat high in the mountain where St’ Francis used to go to meditate and pray. Other churches worthy of note are the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Church of Santa Clara. The Oratorio dei Pellegrini houses 15th century frescoes, but is quite difficult to get to see them properly as the white-robed nuns are often kneeling down in prayer.

St. Francis Basilica

The fortress Rocca Maggiore towering over the city is a constant reminder of the hated Cardinal Albornoz, who built the 14th-century version we see today to establish papal authority over Assisi. Visitors can enter the outer walls to visit the recently restored keep and soldiers' quarters. A very long corridor lit by repeating arrow slits leads to a completely unlit polygonal watchtower with panoramic views at the top.