Best Hotels in Assisi: Where to Stay in the Birthplace of St Francis

Assisi rewards an overnight stay. The day-trippers from Rome and Florence fill the streets from 10am to 4pm; after they leave, Assisi becomes a different, much quieter place. The basilica in the late afternoon and the piazzas in the evening are entirely different experiences from the daytime.

In the medieval centre (upper Assisi)

The upper town — within the walls, close to the Basilica and the Piazza del Comune — is the most convenient base. Walking distance to everything; the atmosphere in the evening is completely different from the day.

Budget (€60–90/night): Several small guesthouses and religious guest houses (the Franciscan community runs some accommodation). Basic but clean and central.

Mid-range (€90–160/night): Boutique hotels in the medieval streets. Several converted medieval buildings with stone walls and original features. The area around the Piazza del Comune has the most options.

Top-end (€160–350/night): Hotel Fontebella (in a 17th-century palazzo with views over the valley), Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum (a remarkable property in a converted Roman amphitheatre with thermal pool, one of the most distinctive hotels in Italy).

In the lower town (Santa Maria degli Angeli)

The area around the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (containing the Porziuncula) is at the foot of the hill, 3km from the upper town. Hotels here tend to be larger and cheaper, though less atmospheric.

Budget/mid-range (€50–120/night): Good range of hotels near the train station and the basilica. Practical for pilgrims and those arriving by train.

Booking tips

Pilgrimage calendar: Assisi has specific pilgrimage periods that fill all accommodation:

• Feast of St Francis (3–4 October) — the most important annual event; book months ahead
• Calendimaggio festival (May, first week) — medieval festival with processions and competitions
• Easter and Holy Week

Outside these dates, book 2–4 weeks ahead in spring and autumn.

Religious accommodation: Several Franciscan and other religious institutions offer simple guesthouse accommodation (case religiose ospitalità). Quieter and cheaper than hotels; basic facilities. Contact the Franciscan Ministries Office directly.