Assisi Cathedral

Assisi Cathedral tickets: which one to buy

The Cathedral of San Rufino stands on a square in the upper part of Assisi, in Umbria, a short walk from the Piazza del Comune, and entry to the cathedral is free; the Diocesan Museum and the crypt, which hold the remains of the Roman and early medieval buildings, charge a small admission. Most visitors to Assisi concentrate on the Basilica of Saint Francis and the Basilica of Saint Clare, and San Rufino is often quieter.

Walking tours of Assisi include the cathedral along with the Roman Temple of Minerva, the Rocca Maggiore fortress above the town and the churches associated with Saint Francis. Assisi is easily reached by train from Perugia, Florence and Rome, with buses from the station up to the town. The streets are steep, and comfortable shoes are essential. The museum ticket includes the crypt and is sold at the museum entrance beside the cathedral.

Visiting Assisi Cathedral: what to see

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Rufinus, the first bishop of Assisi, martyred in the third century, and it was built in its present form from 1140, on the site of earlier churches. Its Romanesque facade, of pink and white stone from Mount Subasio, is one of the finest in Umbria, with three rose windows, the central one supported by figures of the evangelists, and a carved portal with lions and griffins. Inside, the church was remodelled in the sixteenth century in a Renaissance style. The most important object is the baptismal font where, according to tradition, Saint Francis, Saint Clare and the future emperor Frederick II were baptised.

The crypt beneath preserves the earlier eleventh-century church and a Roman sarcophagus in which Saint Rufinus was buried. The bell tower stands on a Roman cistern, which can be seen in the museum. The Diocesan Museum holds works of art from the churches of Assisi, including a triptych by Niccolo Alunno and a panel painting of Saint Rufinus. The archaeological area shows remains of Roman walls and the earlier churches built over them. The bell tower, from the twelfth century, rises beside the facade with arched windows.

Assisi Cathedral opening hours and the best time to go

The cathedral is open daily, with a break at lunchtime, and the museum is closed on some days in winter. Assisi is busy with pilgrims and tourists throughout the year, especially at Easter, in summer and on the feast of Saint Francis on 4 October, when the town fills with celebrations. The Calendimaggio festival in early May recreates medieval life with costumes and music.

Mornings and late afternoons are quieter. The square in front of the cathedral is peaceful, with benches and views. Allow about half an hour for the cathedral, and more for the museum and crypt, then walk up to the Rocca Maggiore for views over the valley. Minibuses from the lower town and the station stop at Piazza Matteotti, just above the cathedral.