Follow this part of the trail
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Calendimaggio turns Assisi's historic center into a living medieval stage. Learn how to secure a spot—whether you book grandstand seats or find free standing room—and navigate street closures for a smooth, respectful festival experience.
Calendimaggio is Assisi's most important lay festival, held over four days in early May. Two rival contrade, the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto, compete in medieval costume with music, parades, and challenges. This guide explains what to see, where to stand, and how to plan your visit.
Every May, Assisi transforms into a medieval stage as two historic factions—Parte de Sopra and Parte de Sotto—compete in song, dance, and pageantry. Rooted in 14th-century family feuds, this friendly rivalry now defines the Calendimaggio festival, offering visitors a living glimpse into the city's past.
Every October 4, Assisi honors its patron saint, St. Francis, with multi-day celebrations that blend religious ceremonies, civic events, and deep local tradition. This guide explains the significance of the feast, highlights the solemn Transito on October 3, and offers practical advice for pilgrims and travelers planning to experience this unique Umbrian celebration.
Plan a day trip from Perugia or Assisi to see Gubbio's Festa dei Ceri on May 15. Discover the key moments, practical travel tips, and how to experience this UNESCO-listed festival like a local.
Each year in late August, Assisi revives its medieval past with the Palio di San Rufino, a crossbow competition among the three terzieri of San Francesco, San Rufino, and Santa Maria. Held in Piazza del Comune, the event culminates in archers aiming at a target 36 metres away for a hand-painted banner. Unlike the May Calendimaggio, this festival honours the city's patron saint with markets, processions, and a propitiatory dinner.
The Perdono d'Assisi, also known as the Pardon of Assisi, is a plenary indulgence granted by Pope Honorius III in 1216. Each year from vespers on August 1 to sundown on August 2, pilgrims can receive this indulgence by visiting a church and fulfilling specific conditions. Discover its origins, where to go, and how to prepare for this unique spiritual event.
Assisi draws pilgrims year-round, but the Feast of St. Francis on October 4 brings special meaning. This guide helps you plan travel by train or car, find parking, book accommodation, and visit the saint's tomb and the Porziuncola.
