I am planning a train day trip from Rome to Assisi in late September. I recently learned that the Pope has made this a Jubliee Year for Assisi. They will celebrate St. Francis's 800 year anniversary of his death in early October. Does anyone know how busy Assisi will be at this time, specifically a week before? Thank you!
Posted by
835 posts
Assisi is a very popular destination and will definitely be very busy.
Posted by
564 posts
We were in Assisi in mid October 2025 and it was packed!
Brad
Posted by
Washington DC
30426 posts
I'll tell you what worked well for me when I day-tripped to Assisi in 2015 (yes, I'm sure it will be busier this year): I started at the top of the town. The historic district there had few visitors. I slowly wandered downhill, enjoying the atmosphere and not really encountering much I'd call "very touristy" until I got quite close to the Basilica. That area was bad--full of junky shops selling tacky souvenirs, etc. The large Basilica itself is gorgeous and totally worth passing through the surroundings.
I'm not religious and didn't go to the other religious sites that many others would want to see.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7104 posts
Not only has Assissi become a popular tourist spot, it has always been a major pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics. You would be hard pressed to find any day when it isn't crowded near the Basilica. The Jubilee (with its pilgrims) lasts all year, not just around the anniversary of his death. Note that late Sept or early Oct are arguably still high season.
However, to be clear, it is not a Jubilee for Assissi. It is a Jubilee Year for St Francis. It is much more than just making a visit to a church (any church worldwide that is associated with St Francis, not just Assissi). But that wont be your concern if you are just visiting as a tourist.