Assisi Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli) Tours
1,314 Reviews
The lovely Mannerist Assisi Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli) was built on the plain below hilltop Assisi and was over a century in the making between 1569 and 1679. It was commissioned by Pope Pio V to accommodate the influx of pilgrims to worship at the Cappella Porziuncola, the hermitage where St Francis prayed in the early 13th century and founded the order of Franciscan monks.
Designed by Perugian architect Galeazzo Alessi, Santa Maria degli Angeli is one of the biggest Christian churches in the world, measuring a whopping 126 m (413.25 ft) long and 65 m (213.25ft) wide. It has a barnlike central nave and side aisles lined with chapels; frescoes by 18th-century artist Andrea Appiani adorn the walls of the basilica. The original 13th-century Cappella Porziuncola sits directly underneath the
great central dome, now protected from the elements for posterity. The Cappella del Transito is close by and marks the exact spot where Francis died in 1226; it displays the saint’s simple rope belt and a terracotta portrait by Andrea della Robbia, executed in 1490. Both chapels are frescoed with scenes depicting his visions.
Outside the basilica is the Rose Garden, all that remains of the forests of Monte Subasio that surrounded Francis’s hermitage. The adjacent 15th-century friary houses the Porziuncola Museum, founded by Franciscan friars in 1924 and exhibiting religious art and reliquaries from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Practical Info
Via Porziuncola 1, Assisi. Open daily 10am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm. Admission free. Regular bus services run from the center of hilltop Assisi.
Address: Via Porziuncola 1, Assisi, Umbria 06081, Italy
Hours: Daily 10am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Assisi Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli)
Sort by:Featured
Assisi Full day tour including St Francis Basilica and Porziuncola
5
Assisi is one of the most picturesque hill-top towns in Umbria and renowned for its UNESCO-listed Basilica of San Francesco. On this tour, visit the medieval Basilica, Rocca Maggiore castle, and Saint Rufino’s Cathedral, then follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi with a tour of Eremo Delle Carceri, the Sanctuary of Saint Damiano, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.
…More
From
$282.38
Price varies by group size
From
$282.38
Price varies by group size
Assisi & Saint Francis Path Tour from Rome
1
We are looking for the best quality tours around Italy, like this one to Assisi and Saint Francis Path. Experience in Rome, in our luxurious Mercedes Benz Minivans!
Our drivers are only the best English speaking professionals with experience in the field, so they are very knowledgeable about Italy, and will always be ready to answer all your doubts!
In addition, it is also very good to highlight our Assisi and Saint Francis Path super tour one!
…More
From
$354.55
Price varies by group size
From
$354.55
Price varies by group size
Food and wine tour
Thanks to this tour you can go back in time and visit our land in complete relaxation and tranquility.
The itinerary will include a visit by carriage of the Hovel and the Leprosarium.
Everything will be enriched by a very good and tasty picnic immersed in a vineyard under a pergola located on the slopes of the Basilica of San Francesco.
…More
From
$78.45
From
$78.45
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Assisi: the Three Major Basilicas. St. Francis, St. Clare and Porziuncola chapel
1
See the highlights of Assisi on a 3-hour tour with a knowledgeable official guide. This tour will allow you to know about the most important churches in assisi. St. Francis Basilica, St. Clare Basilica and Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels with Porziuncola.
…More
From
$156.88
Price varies by group size
From
$156.88
Price varies by group size
Sanctuaries and Franciscan Sites surround Assisi
The ornate Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is often so busy with tourists and pilgrims that it is hard to get a sense of the saint’s contemplative spirit and deep humility. Experience authentic Franciscan spirituality with this small-group guided tour of Saint Francis’ most significant yet peaceful sanctuaries outside the medieval walls of Assisi, including the San Damiano Monastery, Porziuncola chapel, and Carceri Hermitage.
…More
From
$188.26
Price varies by group size
From
$188.26
Price varies by group size
Things to do near Assisi
- Things to do in Umbria
- Things to do in Perugia
- Things to do in Lake Bolsena
- Things to do in Siena
- Things to do in Lake Bracciano
- Things to do in Chianti
- Things to do in Rome
- Things to do in Florence
- Things to do in San Gimignano
- Things to do in Ravenna
- Things to do in Bologna
- Things to do in Pisa
- Things to do in Venice
- Things to do in Tuscany
- Things to do in Lazio