Where to park near the Basilica of St. Francis?
Reaching Assisi by car can be convenient, but keep in mind that the historic center is subject to a limited traffic zone (ZTL) and is largely reserved for residents. Therefore, it's best to use Saba car parks, strategically located just a few minutes' walk from the Basilica.
- Saba Giovanni Paolo II Car Park: Located in Piazza Giovanni Paolo II / Viale Guglielmo Marconi, in Assisi. Open 24 hours a day. Maximum height allowed: 2.05 meters. Hourly rate from approximately €2.00 per hour.
Important note: LPG-powered vehicles are not permitted in this parking lot, even if equipped with a compliant system.
- Saba Mojano Parking: Located on Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, Assisi. Open 24 hours a day. Hourly rate starts at approximately €2.00 per hour. Maximum height allowed: 2.05 meters.
How to get to the Basilica from the parking
The Saba parking lots are conveniently connected to the city center via well-marked pedestrian paths.
From the Saba Giovanni Paolo II Parking, it's a short 5-minute walk to the Basilica.
Basilica Hours and Information
The Basilica is open daily, with hours that may vary depending on the season and religious celebrations. It is always advisable to check the updated hours before visiting.
Inside the Basilica, you can admire:
- - Lower and Upper Basilicas: famous for the frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini, among the most important pictorial cycles of the Middle Ages.
- - Crypt of Saint Francis: a place of meditation that houses the remains of the Saint.
- - Sacred Convent: which houses a rich library and valuable works of art.
What to do and see near the Basilica
- - Basilica of Saint Clare: just a few minutes from the parking lot, it is one of the most iconic sites in Assisi. It houses the remains of Saint Clare and the famous Crucifix of San Damiano, offering an atmosphere of profound spirituality in a harmonious architectural setting.
- - Wood of Saint Francis: a natural area managed by the FAI, ideal for those who want to continue their visit with a walk immersed in tranquility and greenery.
- - Church of San Damiano: reachable with a walk of about 15 minutes. Located just outside the walls of Assisi, immersed in the silence of the olive trees, it is the place where Saint Francis received the invitation to "repair the Church" and where Saint Clare lived with her community, offering an atmosphere of profound peace.
- - Piazza Inferiore: Located directly in front of the Basilica, it is a charming meeting point and a perfect spot to admire the complex's overall architecture.
- - Rocca Maggiore: An imposing fortress overlooking the city, it can be reached in about a 15-minute walk from Piazza Matteotti. The climb is rewarded with a unique panoramic view of the Umbrian valley.
- - Cathedral of San Rufino: Another significant landmark, linked to the lives of Saints Francis and Clare, with a splendid Romanesque façade that recounts centuries of history.
