Assisi Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites *
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Country	Italy
Type	Cultural
Criteria	i, ii, iii, iv, vi
Reference	990
Region **	Europe and North America
Inscription history
Inscription	2000 (24th Session)
Name as inscribed on World Heritage List ** Region as classified by UNESCO

Assisi is a beautiful town in Italy, located in the Umbria region. It sits on the western side of Mount Subasio. Assisi is famous for its amazing art, old buildings, and rich history. It is especially important to the Catholic religion.

This town is the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, a well-known Catholic saint. Saint Francis started the Franciscan religious order in 1208. Saint Clare, who followed Saint Francis, was also born here. She founded a group of religious women called the Poor Clares.

After Saint Francis and Saint Clare passed away, churches were built to honor them. The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is famous as his burial place. It is also known for its beautiful fresco paintings on the walls and ceilings. Many people visit Assisi on a pilgrimage (a special journey for religious reasons). Others come to see the town's art. Assisi became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000.

History of Assisi
Main Sights to See
- Churches in Assisi
- Other Important Landmarks
Culture and Traditions
Photo gallery
Images for kids
See also

History of Assisi

A view of Assisi from the Rocca Maggiore fortress.

Around 1000 BC, a group of people called the Umbrians settled in this area. They lived in small fortified villages on high ground. Around 450 BC, the Etruscans took over these villages.

Later, the Romans gained control of central Italy in 295 BC. They built a large town called Asisium on the side of Mount Subasio. This town became what we now call Assisi. You can still see some Roman buildings in Assisi today. These include parts of the old walls, the main piazza (town square), and the Temple of the Goddess Minerva. This temple is now a church called Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

In 238 AD, the people of Assisi became Christian because of Bishop Rufino. He was martyred (killed for his beliefs). People believe his body is buried under the Cathedral Church of San Rufino in Assisi.

The Ostrogoths led by King Totila destroyed most of the town in 545 AD. After that, Assisi was ruled by the Lombards from northern Italy, and then by the Frankish rulers.

In the 11th century (the 1000s), Assisi became a free town. However, there was constant fighting between two groups: the Ghibellines and the Guelphs. Assisi mostly supported the Ghibellines. But the nearby big town, Perugia, supported the Guelphs.

During a battle, the Guelphs from Perugia captured a young man from Assisi. His name was Francesco di Bernardone. His experiences as a prisoner helped him decide to change his life. When he returned home, he gave up his wealth and became a poor preacher. He told people to turn to God and live in peace. He worked with the poor and those who were not accepted by society.

Saint Francis and his friends rebuilt a tiny ruined church. It was for shepherds and other poor people to worship in. This church is called the "Porziuncola". Francesco (Francis) founded the Order of Franciscans. He was made a saint in 1228 and is known as St. Francis. He is one of the most popular saints in the world.

A large basilica church was built on the side of the mountain to honor St. Francis. It was decorated with beautiful paintings showing scenes from his life. One famous painting shows St. Francis preaching to the birds.

In 1997, two earthquakes hit Assisi. Part of the basilica's roof fell, sadly killing four people and damaging the painted ceiling. Many people gave money to help repair the building. It was reopened less than two years later.

Assisi is a World Heritage Site.

Main Sights to See

The Basilica of St. Francis showing the entrance to the Lower Church.

Churches in Assisi

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: This church and monastery were started right after St. Francis became a saint in 1228. They were finished in 1253. The church has three levels: the Upper Church, the Lower Church, and the crypt. St. Francis is buried in the crypt.
- The Upper Church has frescoes (wall paintings) showing scenes from St. Francis's life. For many years, people thought the famous artist Giotto painted them. Today, most art experts believe they were done by a group of painters from Rome. Giotto's teacher, Cimabue, painted two very large frescoes here.
- The Lower Church has frescoes by many artists from the late Middle Ages. One special painting by Cimabue shows the Madonna and Child with angels and St. Francis. Because Cimabue was older when he painted this, some believe it's a true picture of St. Francis.
- Other famous paintings in the Lower Church include works by Giotto, Simone Martini, and Taddeo di Bartolo. The "Madonna of the Sunset" by Pietro Lorenzetti is also very famous. It has a gold background that glows when the sun shines on it.

Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary the Greater): This is the oldest church in Assisi.

The Cathedral of San Rufino (St. Rufinus): This church has a Romanesque façade (front) with three rose windows. Its inside was built in the 16th century. It is partly built over an old Roman well.

The Basilica of Santa Chiara (St. Clare): This is a Gothic church started in 1257. It holds the tomb of Saint Clare. It also has 13th‑century frescoes and paintings.

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels): This is a large church located about 4 miles from Assisi. Inside this church is the tiny "Porziuncola" church.

Other Important Landmarks

The town of Assisi has two old castles. The oldest one was built by the Romans and is partly in ruins. The larger castle is called Rocca Maggiore. It was built in 1367 by Cardinal Albornoz. Later, Popes Pius II and Paul III added to it. UNESCO has named all the main monuments, churches, and the town of Assisi itself as a World Heritage Site.

Culture and Traditions

Festival Calendimaggio is a special festival held from May 1st to 5th. During this time, you can see parades, theater shows, flag-weavers, and dances.

Assisi Embroidery is a type of special needlework. It has been done in Assisi since the 13th century.

Today, many groups visit Assisi to enjoy the peaceful spirit of St. Francis. One group has restored an 11th-century room and added altars for different world religions. People from many countries come to the Assisi East West Retreat Center. They come to find peace, inspired by St. Francis.

Photo gallery

The Piazza del Comune was once the Roman forum.
The Upper Church of St Francis of Assisi
The tiny church, Porziuncola, has the Church of Mary and All Angels built around it.
The Church of St. Clare
Santa Maria sopra Minerva was once a Roman temple.