I just read in a Lonely Planet guide that it is possible to book a one-hour tour of the basilica with a resident Franciscan friar. Has anyone done this? We were planning on the basilica being our last few hours of the day, working downward from Piazza Matteotti. But this sort tour sounds interesting, especially with the perspective of a Franciscan friar. My question is - do we need to stop there first and reserve a tour time or can we just show up, about 3:00 and have the guided tour then?
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1070 posts
Honestly, a private tour is probably not necessary. There is plenty of info in the RS book. Visually the basilica (all 3 churches) is stunning. The gift shop has loads of helpful guides that will be great memorabilia. If you decide on a tour however, you would most certainly need a reservation. I've been there 14 years in a row (for a music festival), I've sung in all three levels. The experience never becomes less than life changing.
Posted by
Trieste, Italy
175 posts
Sue, I don't know if you've already come and gone, but the tourist information center, located directly across from the Basilica, offers tours. I think I paid 10 Euro and needed to reserve in advance. It lasted about an hour. I was glad I took it.
Posted by
OP
Huntington, CT
62 posts
Hi Theresa,
We leave in three weeks. Was your tour with a Franciscan friar? And how far in advance to you have to reserve? I'm wondering if maybe we can reserve in the am for an early afternoon tour?
Posted by
west Chester, PA
372 posts
I would definitely do a tour with a resident Friar. In 1999, we were in Assisi for the first time visiting the Basilica and went to the lowest level where the St Francis is buried. We didn't realize that (back then) a friar chants the prayer of st Francis at his gravesite hourly and the friar was Italian, so he say the prayer in the beautiful and melodical language of Italian...everyone was captivated by this. Unfortunately, they no longer do this, but the passion of the friar was unmistakable.
Posted by
OP
Huntington, CT
62 posts
Oh Marie, what an experience that must have been! When we get to Assisi we will inquire early in the day - maybe we'll be lucky to be able to arrange a friar tour the same afternoon (we are only there for one day).