Inside, the Crucifix of San Damiano is preserved—which, according to tradition, spoke to Saint Francis—along with the crypt where the remains of Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares, rest.

A highlight is the Temple of Minerva, a Roman architectural gem featuring perfectly preserved Corinthian columns that now serves as a church (Santa Maria sopra Minerva). You will also see the Captain of the People’s Palace (Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo) and the Tower.

Built in 1615 on the site traditionally identified as the birthplace of Saint Francis, where you can see the small cell where his father, Pietro di Bernardone, imprisoned him in an attempt to make him abandon his path of poverty.

It served as the Cathedral of Assisi until the 11th century. This was where Francis made the public gesture of stripping off his clothes and renouncing all material goods. Today, it houses the body of Saint Carlo Acutis.

Lower Basilica: A space of quiet reflection and soft light that houses the Crypt with the Saint’s tomb. Upper Basilica: A bright, Gothic space containing Giotto’s famous frescoes, which depict the life of Saint Francis in 28 scenes. The reservation includes the entrance fee to the Basilica.