Assisi, perched on the slopes of Monte Subasio in Umbria, is the hometown of Saint Francis and the destination of countless pilgrims. The Feast of St. Francis on October 4 marks the saint's death and is the most significant day in the local Franciscan calendar, drawing visitors who want to honor his legacy of simplicity and peace.
Planning ahead is essential, as the feast period often sees higher demand for transport and lodging. This guide focuses on the practical logistics: getting there by train or car, where to park, where to stay, and how to approach the key shrines, especially the tomb of St. Francis in the Basilica of San Francesco and the Porziuncola in Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Why Assisi for the Feast of St. Francis?
For centuries, pilgrims have walked to Assisi to honor the life and teachings of Saint Francis, who served as a model of faith through his devotion to poverty and nature. The feast day on October 4 is a time of special prayer and celebration, and the city takes on an atmosphere of devotion.
A pilgrimage to Assisi is also a journey through rich art and history, with the basilica housing Giotto's famous frescoes depicting the saint's life. While planning your visit, consider reading our extensive guide, Visiting Assisi for the Feast of St. Francis, which offers a detailed overview of the celebration and sights.
When to Plan: The Feast and the Jubilee Year
The Feast of St. Francis is celebrated annually on October 4, but in 2026, the city also marks the eighth centenary of the saint's death, an anniversary that heightens the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. While official celebrations for that milestone are not yet fully detailed, the event is expected to draw larger crowds than usual.
For any pilgrimage, verifying the local schedule closer to your travel date is wise, as specific events and Mass times are confirmed by parish and diocesan authorities. Always check the official tourism website of Assisi or the Sanctuary's own announcements for the latest information.
Getting to Assisi: By Train or Car
Most international visitors arrive first in Rome or Florence and then travel to Assisi by rail, which offers scenic views and comfortable service. The train ride from Roma Termini or Firenze Santa Maria Novella typically takes around two to three hours, and the regional station of Assisi is located in the town of Santa Maria degli Angeli, at the base of the hill.
For those who prefer driving, Assisi is well-connected by motorway, but the historic center is a restricted traffic zone, so you'll need to park at the perimeter. Knowing your arrival method helps you choose the best approach, whether that's taking the Assisi Link bus or finding a convenient garage.
Arriving by Rail: The Assisi Link and the Bus to the Hilltop
While the train station is in the lower town, the medieval center sits on a hill, about 3 miles (5 km) away. To bridge this distance, you can take a local bus or taxi, and Trenitalia offers an integrated 'Assisi Link' ticket that covers both the train and the synchronized orange Linea C bus that climbs to the town.
The Linea C bus runs frequently from the station to points near the Basilica, but for real-time schedules, download the Moovit app, which covers local bus routes. If you prefer not to wait, taxis are also available at the station; hailing one through the AppTaxi service is a practical option.
If you have time, stop at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, which is a short walk from the station and houses the Porziuncola, making it a meaningful first stop on your pilgrimage.
Arriving by Car: Navigating the ZTL and Perimeter Parking
Driving into the historic center is not possible because of the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), which restricts vehicles to authorized residents and deliveries. Instead, park in one of the designated garages on the outskirts and walk or take a shuttle into town.
For the Basilica of San Francesco, the Parcheggio Saba Giovanni Paolo II is the closest and most convenient. If you want to reach the town center directly, Parcheggio Saba Mojano connects via an escalator to the main square, while Parcheggio Porta Nuova offers easy access to the eastern side and the Basilica of Santa Chiara.
These garages are a good starting point, but do not assume they are the only options or that they run on fixed hours; always confirm current parking availability and fees with the city's official mobility website.
Where to Stay: Lower Town vs. Hilltop
Choosing your accommodation in Assisi affects how you experience the pilgrimage. Staying in the 'lower town' near the Basilica of San Francesco puts you close to the main shrine, though this corridor can be busy with day-trippers during the day, quieting in the evening.
Closer to the Basilica, the streets leading to Piazza del Comune offer a flatter and more central location, ideal if you have limited mobility. The rest of the town is uphill, so keep in mind that you'll be walking on slopes in the historic center.
Booking well in advance is essential, especially during the feast period, as rooms fill quickly. Consider staying slightly outside the walls if you want a quieter retreat, and remember that parking is easier at the perimeter of the town.
Visiting the Basilica of San Francesco and the Tomb of St. Francis
The Basilica of San Francesco is the centerpiece of the Assisi pilgrimage, consisting of a Lower Church, a Upper Church, and a crypt where the tomb of St. Francis rests. As you enter the Lower Church, take time to appreciate the frescoes by Cimabue and the medieval atmosphere before descending to the tomb.
The tomb is a simple stone sarcophagus set in a quiet crypt, often a place of silent prayer and reflection. To have a more peaceful experience, plan to visit early in the morning or later in the evening when tour groups are less common.
Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as is customary in Catholic churches. Also, keep your voice low and avoid interrupting others in prayer, as this is an active sanctuary, not just a museum.
Tips for Pilgrims: Queues, Dress Code, and Prayer Time
During the feast week, the basilica may see long queues, but these can be avoided by arriving right at opening time. Since your main goal is prayer, allocate ample time before or after visiting the tomb to sit quietly and attend Mass.
Confessionals are available in the basilica for those who wish to receive the sacrament, and there are many opportunities to join the liturgical celebrations, though exact times vary. Check the basilica's official website for daily Mass and confession schedules.
Also, remember that the basilica is active, so refrain from loud conversations and photography where prohibited. Many pilgrims find it meaningful to write a prayer intention and leave it at the tomb, a tradition that has continued for centuries.
Beyond the Basilica: Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Porziuncola
A short distance from the Assisi train station in the lower town, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli enshrines the Porziuncola, the small stone chapel that was the center of early Franciscan life. It was here that Francis understood his calling and established the order, making it a profound stop for any pilgrim.
The Porziuncola is a simple structure within a vast Renaissance church, and you can pray inside the original chapel, a moving experience. The basilica also preserves the chapel where Francis is said to have died, adding to its spiritual significance.
Since this site is separate from the main hilltop town, planning a visit there involves either walking from the station or taking a short bus or taxi ride. It is often less crowded than the Basilica of San Francesco, offering a moment of quiet reflection.
Other Franciscan Sites: Santa Chiara, San Damiano, and the Eremo
While Francis is the primary draw, Assisi is also home to several other sacred sites. The Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, holds the saint's relics and is a place of devotion for visitors.
Just outside the town walls lies San Damiano, a small convent where Francis received the crucifix that inspired his mission, and where Clare lived with her community. On Monte Subasio, the Eremo delle Carceri offers a retreat into nature, with hermitages hidden in the woods where Francis and his followers prayed.
If you have time, walking the Way of Saint Francis, whether the Northern or Southern route, is a separate undertaking that culminates in Assisi. For those who wish to explore further, the Palio di San Rufino in Assisi offers a glimpse of medieval tradition.
Practical Tips for a Spiritual Journey
Pack comfortable walking shoes, as Assisi is steep and cobblestoned, and carry a small backpack with water and snacks. Since the feast week can be warm in early October, light layers are recommended for both day and evening.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases, as many locals and shopkeepers appreciate the effort, and remember that many churches close for a midday break. If you are arriving by car, make sure to have a map of the parking garages on hand, as navigation apps can be unreliable in the narrow streets.
For a different experience, consider visiting during the Calendimaggio festival, which celebrates medieval times, or the Palio di San Rufino in August, if your schedule aligns.
Plan Your Visit
A pilgrimage to Assisi for the Feast of St. Francis is a journey of faith, history, and reflection. By planning your travel and accommodation, and by allowing time for prayer at the tomb and the Porziuncola, you can fully embrace the spirit of this holy place.
Whether you come by train or car, expect to be moved by the city's beauty and the living legacy of Saint Francis. Remember that the most important preparation is spiritual, and that the saints welcome all pilgrims with open arms.
Check the official tourism and church websites for the latest on feast events, and may your pilgrimage be blessed. For further inspiration, read our guide on the feast of St. Francis in Assisi to deepen your understanding before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pilgrimage of St. Francis of Assisi?
The pilgrimage to Assisi is a journey to the birthplace of Saint Francis, where pilgrims seek to connect with his teachings and spirituality. It often includes visiting the Basilica of San Francesco, the tomb of St. Francis, and other sites significant to his life, such as San Damiano and the Porziuncola.
How to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi?
The Feast of St. Francis is celebrated on October 4 each year. Pilgrims typically attend Mass, participate in processions, and spend time in prayer at the tomb of St. Francis. It's also a day to reflect on the saint's message of peace and care for creation, often marked by blessing of animals.
What are the three great pilgrimages?
The three great pilgrimages of Christendom are traditionally Rome, the Holy Land, and Santiago de Compostela. Assisi, while not among these major three, is a significant pilgrimage destination for Catholics, especially in connection with the Franciscan tradition.
What do you pray to St. Francis of Assisi for?
Prayers to St. Francis often seek guidance in living a life of simplicity, peace, and compassion. People ask for his intercession in matters of peacemaking, care for animals and the environment, and sometimes for spiritual renewal and protection.