Attractions Nearby Assisi, Day Trips and Excursions

(Assisi, Umbria, Italy)



Photo of Gubbio sceneryUmbria is a part of Italy rich in attractions and Assisi is well placed to explore many of them. Although the world-class attractions of Rome are a fair distance from Assisi, lying around 195 km / 121 miles to the south, Italy's number one city can actually be reached in approximately two and a half hours, and so is just about close enough to make a day trip possible.

A little closer to Assisi and a true Tuscan delight, Florence is a beautiful and extremely historic Italian city, famed for its gigantic cathedral (Duomo), which is actually the world's fourth-biggest cathedral ever built and dates back to the middle of the 14th century. Other attractions of note reside within nearby Gubbio, San Gimignano and Spello.


Further photograph of Gubbio

Gubbio

Gubbio enjoys a breathtaking situation, standing on the steep hillside slopes of the towering Monte Ingino, where the views of the valley below are quite simply awesome. At around 50 km / 31 miles to the north of Assisi, the attractions of Gubbio are less than an hour away. In particular, look out for the main square, the Piazza Grande, which lies off the Via della Repubblica and also goes by the name of the Piazza della Signoria. However, it is perhaps the Gubbio's ancient Eugubian Tablets that the city is best known for, which are believed to date back as far as 300 BC.

Spello picture

Spello

Although Spello may be a fairly small town, it has got to be one of the prettiest in the whole of Italy's Umbrian region. Spello really is a beautiful town and looks as if it has just jumped off the front of a postcard. Sited only 14 km / 9 miles to the south of Assisi, Spello is centred around the Piazza Matteotti, where visitors will discover the Chiesa di Sant'Andrea, amongst other attractions, some of which come in the form of cafe-bars and restaurants. The early summer is always a popular time to visit the city, when the Feast of Corpus Domini takes place and the main street is decorated with literally thousands of flowers.

Photo of central San Gimignano

San Gimignano

Lying in the very central of Tuscany, San Gimignano is roughly 169 km / 105 miles to the north-west of Assisi and this popular town is surrounded by historic walls and boasts no less than 14 medieval towers. Close to both Florence and Siena, San Gimignano contains many worthy attractions and has deservedly become something of a tourist hotspot. Apart from its impressive towers, sightseers will find San Gimignano home to some fine religious art works at the Museo d'Arte Sacra on the Piazza Pecori, and wine tasting at the Museo del Vino, which is sited within the town's fortress. If you have time, visit the Palazzo Comunale and climb its Torre Grossa, at the top of which you will be greeted with superb views stretching across the town and countryside of Tuscany.

Rome (Roma) view

Rome (Roma)

There are just so many truly world-class attractions in Rome, that Italy's capital city really does deserve a little more time than just a day trip if at all possible. Bring your camera and look out for Capitoline Hill, the ancient Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Also on one side of Rome is the Vatican City, the official home of the Pope, the Roman Catholic faith and St. Peter's Basilica.

Image of Florence (Firenze) duomo

Florence (Firenze)

Although somewhat overshadowed by the Duomo, the 15th-century Basilica di San Lorenzo is a church of great importance in Florence, as is the Basilica di Santa Croce. Located on the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is another spectacular attraction in this city and has served as the Town Hall of Florence since is first opened its doors in 1322. Close to Assisi, Florence is to be found around 171 km / 106 miles to the north-west and is just over two hours away.