I see what you mean. One of the follow-on screens did show up in English.

Usually if you use the Chrome browser you'll get a pop-up, asking whether you want an English translation. When I'm using MS Edge, I right-click and then click on "Translate to English". I'm pasting below the info I got that way:

OPENING
HOURS Morning
from 9.00 to 13.00

Afternoon
from 14.30 to 17.00

Wednesday closed

Admission is allowed up to 30 minutes before closing

For information call (+39) 075.8051419 or write to [email protected]

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A separate page for Museum Reservations (https://www.porziuncola.org/prenotazioni-museo-porziuncola_eng.html) says this:

We look forward to welcoming you to the museum. You may find this information useful during your visit:

Please, arrive on time and let us know if you are late by calling the number (+39) 075.8051419

It is possible to cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before your arrival

The shrine is a sacred place. Please, show respect and decorum, maintain the silence, and heed all recommendations on information signs.

For the schedule of celebrations and further information, visit the website: www.porziuncola.org

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The museum webpage then has a form to fill out that asks, among other things, for the name of the "Group Organizer", so I wonder whether they expect individual travelers just to show up. Like you, I'd be a bit concerned about doing that around the time of the Feast of St. Francis.

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There's a similar reservation page for the Porziuncola, again asking for the name of the "Group Organizer": https://www.porziuncola.org/reservations.html

I can't find any indication that a tour is mandatory. I happen to have a copy of the 2021 edition of Lonely Planet's Italy guidebook, and it doesn't say anything about mandatory tours, either. Perhaps it would be safest to write to the email address given above for the museum ([email protected]) to ask whether walk-up visitors will be admitted during the time you plan to be in Assisi.

Thank you so much for all of your efforts! I did try both the email address and group request prior to heading to this forum, as the email wouldn’t work and I’ve received no response from the group request. Between the two of us, I still don’t see a ticket price and I’m in agreement that just showing up during their festival just may leave us on the outside.

If I do hear from the group request I’ll be sure to put that information on this forum.

Thanks again!

It's been awhiie since I've been inside Santa Maria degli Angeli (I live nearby), but I've just walked in a look at the porziuncola, no reservation, no fee. You don't get charged to go to the /Basilica up in Assisi, either.

Thank you for taking the time to see fees (none!) for the Porziuncola. I am assuming if we go the first week in October during the festival it may be very busy but both sights are areas I wish to see and would prefer to do these sacred sights on my own rather than going with a tour group.

As you stated you live nearby can you tell me how crowded the town gets during the feast of St. Francis?

Again, that was so very kind of you to take the time to see about visiting fees, etc. It’s amazing these two wonderful churches can be viewed for free.

Guys, the Porziuncola is the place where Saint Francis founded his mendicant order and the entrance is obviously free, but - as written on the website - donations are obviously welcome.

Thank you Dario for this confirmation. I am very interested in seeing the sight of St Francis’ chapel.

I visited Assisi during June 2015, but not at the time of the Feast of St. Francis. A fairly modest part of town right near the basilica was sort of busy, but not crazily so. It could easily be shoulder-to-shoulder at the time of your visit. However, the upper part of town was almost deserted. I highly recommend getting a bus or taxi up there and strolling downhill through medieval Assisi. It is lovely. The basilic is stunning, and quite large. Be sure you give yourself sufficient time in Assisi.

Già, Dario! Offhand I don't know how crowded Assisi get during the festival. I avoid it and the holiday season pilgrim crowds in general. I go to the town of S. Maria degli Angeli because my friends and I really like a restaurant on the outskirts. But Umbria in general isn't as overloaded with tourists as our neighbors, Toscana and Roma. Assisi is probably the most crowded the region gets, and it's mostly bearable, especially at night, when a party vibe kicks in.

Unfortunately, we will be in the area the week of the festival — we did not plan it that way! However, as we will be in the area, I don’t want to miss visiting Assisi — though I think the party vibe will be starting much earlier than nightfall during that week!!!

Assisi is a beautiful town. One of my favorite stops in Italy.
The Porziuncola is within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in the Lower Town. There is no need for a reservation and no tickets are required.
During the Feast Day of Saint Francis, the upper town will probably be very busy. You’re so fortunate to be able to visit Assisi on his feast day.

Thank you so much for confirming my questions regarding the Porziuncola and the Feast of St Francis. I realize how fortunate we will be to be visiting on this sacred occasion, albeit a bit more busy than usual. Counting the days until we get to experience this beautiful city.

Hi estu,
I throughly enjoyed my visit to beautiful Assisi during the first week of October a few years ago. I’ll share my trip report, if you’re interested: Beautiful Assisi…

Keep in mind that Assisi is a very popular day trip destination for many (one day I counted over 30 tour buses in one parking lot!)
However, this beautiful city is so peaceful in the early mornings and in the evenings without the crowds.

Wishing you a wonderful trip!

Well I read your Assisi notes — sounds like you had a marvelous trip — thank you for sharing — can’t wait to compare notes.

Estu,

Here’s a wonderful post where Robert (Wilmington, DE) shares a ton of amazing detailed information about Assisi, his favorite city in Italy: 2 days- Assisi, Perugua or Spello