I'm planning a solo trip to Italy, most likely 10 days in Rome (I have a long list of things I want to see) and 4 nights in Assisi. I definitely want to go during the off-season. I'm guessing that some hotels and restaurants in Assisi may close during the winter? I was considering maybe going in either January or February and liked the idea of being in Assisi during the blessing of the animals, which I believe is the 1st Sunday after January 17th. It will fall on January 18th in 2015. How crowded is Assisi during Sant'Antonio's blessing?
Posted by
Clifton Park, NY
95 posts
I can' answer your question regarding the crowds in January but as I see you have 4 nights in Assisi, I would like to you know about a place we really enjoyed (although it was summer).It was Eremo delle Carceri. A hermitage in the forest a few km from Assisi where St. Francis spent some time.
It was one of the most beautiful, peaceful, walks ever and occ we came across pilgrim groups who would stop to sing. Hearing the choirs in such a place was memorable.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-eremo-delle-carceri
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Assisi is a pilgrimage center year-round, also hosts many conferences in the Fall/Winter. You may find shorter hours of operation, but that's true everywhere on Italy.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
Thanks Linda for that information about Eremo delle Carceri. I went to the web site you provided, I encourage everyone to do that. What a wonderful place to spend some time, that really adds one more great reason to make beautiful Assisi a base for a few days. Assisi is one of my favorite spots in all of Italy.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You might check out the travel forum at Slow Travel. Lots of Assisi fans there. Same with the Assisi-specific forum on Tripadvisor.
Good luck.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1506 posts
We were in Assisi for 5 nights in early February. Can't speak to Sant'Antonio's blessing but during the time we were there it was not very crowded. Most restaurants were open, at least enough to give us a choice. We stayed at Hotel JFI Hermitage, which we can recommend. The hotel was within walking distance of most sights and the bus stop which we used from and to the train station. Have to say that for the days we were there it was cool to cold and drizzly on some days. Also have to say that the weather did not detract from our enjoyment and appreciation of Assisi!
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, USA
116 posts
Thanks Linda. Eremo delle Carceri was definitely on my list of must-sees for Assisi. I'm also interested in trying to find Chiese Santo Stefano, in addition to the main St. Francis and St. Claire sites.
I'm expecting Assisi to be quite a bit colder than Rome but in looking at the averages it looks like Assisi's average low in January and February is still 10 degrees warmer than the high at home in Minnesota at that time of year.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
San Stefano is my favorite in Assisi and it is easy to find. If you are in the main square, Piazza del Commune, facing the tourist office, Temple of Minerva is on your right, take the right hand street out of the Piazza, via San Paolo. Walk a few hundred feet or so and you should see signs on your left for San Stefano, follow the signs down stairs and San Stefano will be on your left.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
I would add that San Damiano is wonderful, but a good hike back up the hill to return to Assisi.