One of the "must try" when in Gimignano, climbing the Torre Grossa will offer the best views over this superb medieval city, but also over the Tuscan fields. It is indeed hard to climb the stairs, especially the few ones at the top, but it is worth it.

Great place to visit when in San Gimignano. We went in when it opened at 10am so it wasn’t busy. They have redone the stairs so it’s quite an easy walk up - if you are tall you will need to duck your head at the end. The views are breathtaking! You then get to descend and walk into a great little museum. Would greatly recommend when visiting San Gimignano.

This city is like a hidden jam of Tuscany. We just looked at the map and randomly decided to come, and you become a cross this amazing museum and the city itself was very beautiful and old however, it wasn’t busy at all not very risky which is nice I would highly recommend to come and check it out if you haven’t.

A great place with a great view of the city. I definitely want to mention the very kind and helpful man at the ticket office. I have poor eyesight and my English isn't very good, but he patiently explained everything! Thank you, this is exactly what helps you develop a wonderful attitude towards the country! The people in Tuscany are incredible!

Great place with beautiful view, you can buy tickets in full city pass. That grant's you access to tower, tower museum and museum next to tower, it all costs only 15 euro

Lovely place. A must see when in San Gimignano! I suggest you get the San Gimignano pass, since it does save you money if you visit more than two attractions

Tallest vantage point of the town. A bunch of stairs inside tower. A little unnerving for those with anxiety.

We didn't really see much of the area. We stayed overnight at a hotel inside the walls and ate at Caffetteria Gelateria dell'Olmo. The restaurant was not good. Our hotel, Hotel Leon Bianco, was very nice and had a wonderful breakfast. We had a heck of a time navigating the streets.

San Gimignano is the reason we came back to Tuscany after visiting it last yearfor a few hours, while driving through Tuscany. Beautiful walled medieval town, that was originally restored in 1800s, and probably the biggest attraction in Tuscany. The towers were a sign of wealth, and the taller the tower, the wealthier the family that owned them. They were originally built as protection against marauding neighboring townspeople, street scuffs, etc. these towers were connected to the residences of the owners. You can climb the tallest tower in town, for 7 Euros.

San Gimignano is a true gem of Tuscany and a must-visit destination for every traveler. This picturesque town is famous for its well-preserved medieval towers that create an iconic skyline. Walking through its stone streets feels like stepping back in time. History comes alive at every corner, and the atmosphere is utterly enchanting. A highlight is the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, the town’s cathedral adorned with stunning frescoes by prominent artists – a true architectural treasure. San Gimignano is a place you’ll fall in love with at first sight

San Gimignano is a small medieval hills town in Tuscany, encircled by 13th-century walls and full of beauty and life. Medieval festivals are happening from time to time and, if you're lucky to be here during such an event, you'll feel the history and understand Italian culture and life better. Like a reduced-scale Sienna, San Gimignano is one of my favorites luttle old towns in Italy.

Love this town, love walking amongst the buildings. The old part of the town is just amazing, wonderful restaurants.

Lovely town and dumo church definitely worth visit with spectacular paintings

One of my favorite places to visit! Walking the streets felt like going back in time! The architecture is unbelievable. The shops are quaint and full of authentic treats. The cobblestone streets lead to amazing sites and the views are spectacular. Stop for an ice cream, a meal or a souvenir. Make it a point to stop on your visit to Italy, it’s worth the trip.

We love the medieval "village" at the heart of the uniquely beautiful city of San Gimignano. The city is well preserved, and it feels like it's frozen in time. One can imagine how these folks with their horses going about their business during those days. The atmosphere in the morning is peaceful and if you enjoy your running, this city has many interesting elevation to add to your training. The cobblestone is another challenge that keeps you vigilant and to train your foot placement. Expect loads of visitors as the day approach to lunch and dinner. Food and drinks (wine & beer) are tops, as the Italians are proud of their traditional culinary and wine culture.

The Piazza della Cisterna is one of the most beautiful and famous squares in San Gimignano, a medieval town .since the 1990s the square — and San Gimignano as a whole — has become quite touristy. During the main travel season, it can feel crowded, with many souvenir shops and large tour groups. Still, early mornings or late evenings often bring back the magic of its medieval charm.

This was actually my favorite piazza in San Gimignano. It's the one with the old cistern, or well. There's always a bunch of people sitting on it as they do on the steps in other public squares. What's unusual is that this square is really in the shape of a triangle. You'll also see the Devil's Tower near the cistern. It has been said that the owner returned to find his tower taller than it was when he left it. Lol! That's kind of spooky. What I loved most about this medieval piazza is the famous gelato shop. It was a historical and tasty experience.

Historical & Beautiful square in the centre of San Gimignano I love medieval city and SG did not disappoint. In fact it is famous for the tower but some of the little square that are in the town are really amazing. Piazza della Cisterna is one of them, here we had a drink and were lucky to be here the day of the market, so bought a few things too. I highly recommend coming here, this city is great and perched so looks really great from the roads below.

The most beautiful piazza in San Gimignano that gets very crowded during the day, but turns into a fairy tale after sunset (if you have accomodation inside the old city, you can enjoy such beauty). It is filled with history, dark stories, but is also nicely kept. And if you want to try "la dolce vita", just buy some Riserva wine in a restaurant nearby, sit and enjoy the view, the changing lights, the music (in summer, there are concerts nearby) and the wine.

Charming medieval town. Climbing to the top of tower for breathtaking view of ancient city and Tuscany hills absolute must

We stopped by after lunch on our Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano tour that we bought in Florence. Thanks to its historical atmosphere, one feels like they are on a movie set. It is quite enjoyable to have a few drinks in the afternoon in many nice pubs with a view. There are also very good ice cream shops around for children.

Stefano was the best!! His stories made the experience unique, he’s hilarious, super generous with the number of tastings he offers, and is also a baby whisperer 😊 The town is very cute too, and the drive to and from the town are epic in terms of scenery. You can’t miss this place!

Stefano’s shop is full of fantastic wine from small, local producers in this particular part of Chianti, and he is an engaging host. We tried about 20 or so wines and all were excellent. So much so that we bought six bottles and had them shipped back to the UK. They arrived safe and secure only a week or so later. Looking forward to drinking them soon.

This was an absolute highlight of my Italy trip with friends. Stefano was an incredible host and made the vine tasting a great experience. We spent several hours there and heard lots of entertaining stories. Absolute recommendation that you visit the academy of good taste!

We had a great evening with Stefano, we were recommended him by our Hotel and were expecting a quiet evening drink but instead walked into an event of story telling, wine tasting and a lot of laughter. Stefano does an amazing job of interacting with all the guests and bringing everyone together despite all the different backgrounds. Highly recommend when in Chianti region. Set aside 2+ hours

Finding this place was a true highlight of our 2 weeks in Italy! Stefano took us through a journey of more than 20 wines, filled us with stories of love and life, as we smelled, tasted, smiled, and laughed for over 90 minutes. He spoke to people in our group from Denmark, Brazil, Germany, and Spain (how many languages does he speak and understand?) Above all, his love for people and wine rang through his many stories and interactions. We visited with him more than once and took our group of friends there after our first visit. Every one loved the experience, not to be forgotten soon. Don't miss if you are in or near Panzano!

SO FUN! This is a must do experience in Tuscany! Taste fab wines while Stefano entertains with hilarious antics. We met lovely people doing the wine tasting with us. Reasonable priced and really high quality wines too :) had a blast.

I have visited Stefano 3 times over the past 6 years. I‘ve taken family & friends to experience his beautiful web of wine, food & wonderful stories. There is no one like Stefano. My last trip was in July 2019 & I was so surprised he remembered me exactly - “My friend from Dallas”. I could fill this page with amazing stories from my “lessons” with him over the years - he is just as all the other reviews captured - magical. Sadly, I discovered in Feb 2020 that Stefano had suddenly passed away. If you know Stefano, he wasn’t much of a social media guy - much less a website - and I see this google listing still shows the Accademia as being open. But sadly, it has closed. Rest In Peace my dear friend. I do hope there is someone who will carry on his legacy.

We took the castle tour in the morning, which was full of fascinating historical insights. The visit was engaging and enjoyable. From one section of the walls, we could admire the best view we saw during our entire trip to Tuscany, perfect for taking photos and enjoying the stunning scenery. The tour continued with a visit to the winery, where we learned about the wine-making process. We were lucky to see the vineyards full of grapes, as it was harvest season (late September). We even watched the grapes being loaded onto tractors and taken to the winery. It was a truly beautiful and enriching experience, ending with a delicious wine tasting. Highly recommended!

Beautiful castle with a very interesting history. You can walk around the gardens and the walls. The balcony had the best views of Chianti area. You get a free wine with the ticket. The staff were nice and friendly.

WOW! We booked a private tour of the castle and it was spectacular! Our tour guide was so much fun. The wines were delicious and we ordered 6 to be shipped home. They arrived quickly and all intact. The provided lunch was also very delicious. We would highly recommend booking a private tour via their website. 100% worth it!

Best castle to visit in Tuscany. The view is so amazing and the history is great as well. We book the dinner tour and it was really worth it with the four wines tasting for dinner.

Loved it. We did the Wine Masterclass which was a brief tour of the outside of the castle, the gardens and ended with an incredible view, where the wine tasting took place. We ended up buying some bottles and had them shipped. Would absolutely recommend.

We were fortunate that our 20th wedding anniversary day happened to line up with a sunset tour of the castle...it was beautiful! We had a wine tasting before hand, something we'd never experienced, and it was better than expected. Matt was the wine connoisseur for the tasting, and he made it a relaxing and we learned a lot. After the sunset tour was an included dinner. We didn't really have expectations but if we had, they would have been blown. It was gourmet and delicious!

What a great experience for the kids and grown ups. The kids got to go on the a scavenger hunt in the forest and learn about local trees and wildlife. Then we did the self guided tour and discovered a lovely wine tasting where the kids played with their prizes and the hostesses were exceedingly patient. Finally we went into town for the free tasting with our entry and the kids enjoyed a honey tasting as well. So lovely!

Incredible wine tasting experience with Sergio. He is super knowledgeable about wines and gave listened to what we liked and didn’t like in detail, and introduced us to some new ones that we thoroughly enjoyed. This spot also has some incredible food to enjoy while wine tasting, they know how to do it right!

Wine tasting of 3 wines cost €25 which was a bit steep but the wines were pretty good. Came with bread sticks which were surprisingly good too. Waiter was meant to bring cheese but never came despite reminding them

Excelent wines and experience! The Somelier (forgot to ask her name, but she used to be a teacher) was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and lovable! We learned a lot from her! Banfi was my favorite. You can have the tasting either in or outside, so choose depending on the weather. Totally recommend it!

This place is amazing! Right in the fortress you can try any kind of local wine. The premium choices were extraordinary

Did a wine tasting and really loved it. They had time for explanations and history, wine and snacks were amazing and we even got an extra wine to try. Thank you for having us!

Stunning place inside the old fortress of Montalcino. Beautiful wine selection. The waiter was really friendly and incredibly knowledgeable of wines. The selection of wines is beautiful. The ambiance is really unique inside the courtyard of the castle. Definitely the place to go to enjoy some local wine and do tasting.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon of wine tasting. This is a must do! Everything was perfect!! The cheese the prosciutto the fabulous wines ! Our Semoia. Plan ahead and make this happen!!

Nice place to stop and take pics of typical Toscanian countryside.

What can I say. A gorgeous place you must not miss if you pass by. So beautiful, do peaceful. Great to unwind and be in peace with... the world

The Crete Senesi refers to an area of the Italian region of Tuscany to the south of Siena. It consists of a range of hills and woods among villages and includes the comuni of Asciano, Buonconvento, Monteroni d'Arbia, Rapolano Terme and San Giovanni d'Asso, all within the province of Siena. Crete senesi are literally ‘Senese clays’, and the distinctive grey colouration of the soil gives the landscape an appearance often described as lunar. This characteristic clay, known as mattaione, represents the sediments of the Pliocene sea which covered the area between 2.5 and 4.5 million years ago. Nearby is also the semi-arid area known as the Accona Desert. Perhaps the most notable edifice of this area is the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. The region is known for its production of white truffles, and hosts a festival and a museum dedicated to the rare fungus (genus Tuber).

Top!

Great photo spot for sunset

The best place in the world, ever.

Dreamy landscape all around😍

Amazing place, worth visiting. Also, visit the Castelnuovo above the abbey and walk the streets. One of the most beautiful places around.

I love the georgian live music. Beautiful place very simple, quite and peaceful.

Historic church. Great 5 mile hike loop. Take coins for parking (2 euros per hour). With Casisano winery along the way. Definitely stop in if they are available for a tasting.

Lovely quiet area and nice olive trees but the whole visit was a disappointment because of the lady in the shop. She was very unpolite and as soon as I stepped inside the small shop she told me the shop will close in 2 minutes. It was 17.54. 🙄 I thought the whole place was open until 18.30. The abbey had a mass so we didn’t enter into it. The smell that came from that small shop was so good so it was a pity that I couldn’t buy anything.

Definitely the most beautiful abbey in Italy! We've come here for at least 20 years. In the beginning there were almost no tourists. Now the way down is paved, paid parking and there even is a shop at the top of the hill..... But still it's the most beautiful abbey of Italy :-) Try to stay for a service when you're here.

Truly beautiful Abbey. The electronic self guide is 7€ but we’ll worth the money. The view from the to of the Abbey is amazing. The shop is lovely too. We’ll worth an hour or two of your time for some valuable peace and tranquillity.

The Abbey, a jewel of medieval mysticism. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in an ancient Roman style, which also has elements of the French and Lombardy styles. Legend has it that the abbey was founded by Charles the Great in 781. The king and his army stopped here on the way back from Rome as the soldiers were afflicted by an unknown pestilence. An angel appeared to Charlemagne, telling him to make his men drink an infusion with a local herb. The cure worked and the army was saved so the king decided to build the church in gratitude.

Magnificent sanctuary of Renaissance art built between 1518 and 1545, made of blond stone and with harmonious lines, is attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, one of the finest architects of the period. The Temple of San Bagio was built away from the city, in a verdant valley, on the site of an ancient early Christian church dedicated to Mary. This location, in the heart of a superb landscape, underscores its grandeur. The origins of this church are linked to a miraculous event that occurred on April 23, 1518, when two servants, Antilia and Camilla, and a peasant named Toto, passing by a fresco depicting the Virgin and Child and Saint Francis, saw the Virgin open and close her eyes, as if she were alive. The central Greek cross plan of the Temple is crowned by a dome on a drum. The architecture of the bell tower plays on alternating forms : decreasing heights, straight lines and curves ; it is topped by an eight-sided pyramid. The solemn interior houses, near the high altar, a lectern made by Giannozzo and Lisandro di Pietro Albertini in 1584, as well as, in the niches, statues of saints sculpted by Ottaviano Lazzarini in 1617. Pope Leo X himself came to inaugurate this monumental church, conceived as an ancient temple, and considered one of the most accomplished achievements of Christian architecture of the Tuscan Renaissance. The presbytery in front of the church was also designed by Sangallo and built around 1550 and is characterized by a double loggia. The well in front of the building was erected between 1550 and 1551 and originally had two columns with a travertine architrave. In short, a 16th-century Tuscan masterpiece not to be missed during a visit to Montepulciano.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio (Tempio di San Biagio) is a truly charming and peaceful place. We didn’t go inside as there was a €5 entrance fee, but even from the entrance area, the beauty of the structure and its surroundings was clear. The view over the Tuscan hills is absolutely stunning and adds to the special atmosphere of the site. Parking was simple and accessible, making the visit smooth and pleasant. A lovely and worthwhile stop, even for a short visit.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio is absolutely stunning and a must-visit when in Montepulciano! This Renaissance masterpiece is over 500 years old, and standing before it, you can truly feel the weight of that incredible history. The church’s architecture is breathtaking – from its elegant travertine facade to its perfectly proportioned design, it’s a testament to the artistry and devotion of another era. The setting is equally magnificent, sitting gracefully just outside the town with beautiful views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a moment of peace and reflection, this sanctuary delivers on every level. Don’t miss this gem – it’s one of those places that reminds you why Tuscany is so special. An unforgettable experience!

The admission to the church is 3.5 euros, and it includes a 20 minutes audio guide, which is well worth it. If you stand in the middle of the circle on the ground and clap, only you would hear it echos back for 20 times :)

We had opted for the little red golf cart Montepulciano tour and unfortunately our first stop was right when the church had closed, so rather than be smug about it, we bellied up to the little cafe/bar on the corner and enjoyed the views from outside. Another amazing church in Italy.

Beautiful sanctuary! Worth a visit! Entrance is around e euros per person.

They have a break/lunch in the middle of the day. Ticket 5 eur

Charming public square in Montepulciano -- go up into the tower of the Palazzo Comunale for one of the best views of the Valdichiana

Beautiful historical center of the central. Must visit day and evening.

Piazza Grande is the must-see place in Montepulciano. It must be said that it is well worth it, as it is located at the very top of the village, itself situated on a particularly steep rocky ridge ... You have been warned! But once you reach the top, the square reveals its riches and appears truly impressive. In fact, it houses the town's cathedral, a Renaissance-style palace copied from the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence, the Palazzo Comunale, built on the remains of medieval buildings. A well, also Renaissance, topped with a sculpted arch decorated with animals, adds a touch of elegance to this ensemble !

Piazza Grande in Montepulciano may be small, but it’s truly a Tuscan gem. It offers a stunning view of the historic town hall, surrounded by charming Renaissance buildings, and from the square, you can wander into the quaint, atmospheric streets typical of this beautiful region. A must-visit for lovers of history, architecture, and wine alike — Montepulciano will surely capture your heart.

Very beautiful place and the souvenir shop sells Twilight: New Moon merchandise.

Piazza Grande is the heart of Montepulciano, a stunning medieval square surrounded by Renaissance architecture, including the Palazzo Comunale and Duomo of Montepulciano. Its origins date back to the 14th century, and it has long been a symbol of civic pride and Tuscan elegance. Film fans will recognize it as a key location in Twilight: New Moon, where the dramatic Volturi scenes were shot - adding a cinematic layer to its timeless beauty. Whether you're here for the history or the Hollywood connection, Piazza Grande is a must-see in southern Tuscany.

Montepulciano is a medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s known for its vino nobile red wine. The Torre di Pulcinella is a clock tower topped by a figure of the Pulcinella, a commedia dell’arte character. On the Piazza Grande is the 14th-century Palazzo Comunale, with a tower offering views of the surrounding countryside. Also here is the Duomo, with a huge triptych above its altar.

One of our favorite castles to visit, with stunning views of Tuscany. The restaurant serves amazing dishes! We came back twice just for lunch and the views!

Very cool place to visit. Restaurant was fantastic too , food , mixed grill was next level tasty. Very friendly people.

Fortezza di Radicofani rises like a dream carved out of stone and wind. Standing on its walls, you don’t just see Tuscany — you feel it breathing below you, endless and alive. This isn’t a fortress. It’s a memory of courage, solitude, and sky — where history and silence meet on equal terms. Come at sunset, when the light turns gold and the hills melt into shadow. You’ll understand why some places don’t need words.

Wonderful place, with someone improvements, coupled be perfect

Very worth the time. The views are so good you can transport back 800 years and imagine what the protectors of this fortress saw when the enemy was on the march

Stopped off here on a road trip around Tuscany. What a beautiful place! Great views. Stopped off just on time for lunch - lunch was absolutely gorgeous, really nice wine, very hospitable. Carmen gave us great knowledge of the site and Paul and Giovanni looked after us well in the restaurant. Absolutely recommend!

Only 5 euro to enter. Very very historical place. You can go up the fortress amd theres a museum inside

For most people the attraction of the Basilica di San Francesco boils down to one things: the fresco by Piero della Francesca. And to be fair it is an astonishing piece of work even if it does give you neck ache. His rendering of the History of the True Cross is vivid and alive in a remarkable way. Still the church does offer a few more attractions with other frescoes and creations scattered about. There's plenty of space and quite a lot to enjoy if you like Renaissance religious buildings. I can imagine that it gets busy in the holidays but out of season it was a delight.

Large and interesting basilica. Most visitors immediately head for the frescos behind the large hanging cross at the pulpit. Be sure to look to the left just as you pass the ticket booth. There is a beautiful chapel serving as a war memorial to Italian casualties.

Basilica of San Francesco is a Medieval church with the beautiful fresco cycle Legends of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca.

A must for Piero della Francesca fans, people who don’t care much should leave space for those, who can appreciate. This is one of the most otherworldly early Renaissance art experiences and the 30 minute slot allotted to visitors will surely stay in their memories forever! Otherwise it’s a nice experience too. Friendly staff, good explanation aids provided. Well worth the effort!

Time to visit Piero della Francesca frescos formally limited to 30 mins, but, at least out of season, nobody checks if you leave on time. The rest of the church worth attention as well. You have to pay for ticket reservation no matter if you buy online or onsite. In October it was no problem to have a ticket for same day, only couple of time slots were fully sold out. A backpacks have to be left in a locker at the entrance. There is a toilet inside.

Impressive historical church in the middle of the city center of Arezzo. You definitely will walk along this nice place and building when you pay a visit to Arezzo. We were here in September 2021, while it was not too crowded. We didn’t pay a visit to the inside because you can see the inside through a “door window”… .

Superb visit where I could admire frescoes in this Gothic Basilica with painting from the 14th century, houses one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance, the “Legend of the True Cross” by Piero della Francesca, the extraordinary cycle painted by the artist between 1452 and 1455 approximately in the Bacci Chapel.

(Translated by Google) It is certainly dusty, but it allows you to get close to the structure. Due to its elongated and narrow shape it is only comfortable if not complete, otherwise you will have to take into account difficulties in maneuvering to reverse gear. Shadow? only at certain times of the day. The toilets are less than 50 meters away, positioned outside the convent walls, slightly higher than the street level. (Original) Polveroso lo è di sicuro, però consente di poter arrivare a ridosso della struttura. Per la sua conformazione allungata e stretta è comodo solo se non completo, in caso contrario si dovranno mettere in conto delle difficoltà nelle manovre per invertire la marcia. Ombra? solo in qualche momento della giornata. I servizi igienici sono a meno di 50 metri, posizionati all'esterno delle mura di cinta del convento, leggermente più in alto rispetto al piano stradale.

(Translated by Google) Le Celle = a place of peace and silence (Original) Le Celle = luogo di pace e silenzio

(Translated by Google) camper parking too (Original) parcheggio anche camper

Lake is pretty but too dirty to swim in, and no beaches are worth mentioning. Many better places to stay in Umbria and Tuscany

It’s a nice lake to look at, but not to swim in. Fist of all, it’s a challenge to find a nice place to enter the water without walking through a swamp. Secondly, the water is murky, smelly and shallow. I’m a huge fan of natural lakes but when here, I (unfortunately) preferred the touristic swimming pools.

A magnific place where to pass your Italian holidays! Many restaurants, cafè lake view and boats to go to Islands! Cool for nature lovers and family with kids! 😉😊

Lake Trasimeno, Italy's fourth-largest lake, is a stream-fed body of water surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and old castles. It offers freshwater fish and fishing, as well as all the water sports one can handle. With swimming-safe waters, a 50-kilometer bike path around the lake promoting exploration, and a natural park that encompasses the entire lake, this is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. If you want a very relaxing and laid back holiday in Italy then consider this area. Out of the madding crowd but close enough to roam Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio for those more adventurous types. Highly recommended.

Simply awesome...

Very beautiful view, especially during sunset!

I went there for a picnic tour. That lake is really amazing. I wanna go there again.

Fascinating place. Great to understand the systems and procedures the people had in the Middle-Ages against a siege. The water supply for Orvieto comes from outside the city walls via natural springs. In a siege these are not possible to access. You will learn on this tour how they provided for the community. Plus you learn how to have an ongoing supply of food. All because the Romans knew how to make concrete and the essential element, cement. Pozzolana is a reactive siliceous material, found naturally as volcanic ash, that is added to cement. Anyway, very interesting. On a hot day this place is a great place to go :) If you like history and human ingenuity then go on this tour.

The Orvieto Underground tour was a truly insightful experience. It's amazing to see how the city's residents leveraged its unique geology to create a hidden network of over 400 tunnels and spaces. This provided them with a safe haven and a means of survival. The tour was well-paced and we were able to see an ancient olive oil mill, a pigeon farm, and a hospital, all hidden beneath the city. To avoid disappointment, make sure to get your tickets in advance. You can book them online or at the ticket counter by the Cathedral. It's important to remember that they have separate schedules for Italian and English tours.

Really interesting tour of some of the extensive tunnel network that runs under the town, built by the Etruscans over 2000years ago, mainly for water collection but also to home pigeons as a food source during times of siege. Well worth doing, suggest book in advance or for after your visit to the cathedral. Great guide, very knowledgeable.

Excellent attraction not to be missed when visiting Orvieto. Our guide (for the English tour) is called ROSITA. She is beyond FABULOUS! We learned A LOT during the tour. Make sure you buy this one (offered by the city, ticket office in front of the Duomo). There are other underground tours but this one is the biggest and the best (yes, I did my homework before coming to Orvieto).

A lovely experience under the popular town of Orvieto. Lovely tour guide talks about the Etruscan history. Can get a little tight on the 2nd part of the tour so make sure you are happy with tight spaces. Worth the money.

A must when in Orvieto. Our guide perfectly explained how geology shaped Orvieto. The wells dug by the Etruscans through volcanic stone to reach the water in the clay layer, the cellars used to keep pigeons (for their meat, eggs, and fertile droppings - the Chinese had yet to invent gunpowder) and later to keep safe while under attack,... PS: keep your ticket; it can be used to gain reduction at another attraction in Orvieto.

It was OK. The tour guide was great. She had lots of good, interesting information. Wasn't a whole lot to see, but we enjoyed it. It was worth the price of admission. Not as much as pizza di cave.

​The Orvieto Cathedral is truly impressive. Its location on top of the hill structure naturally provides it with a well-protected position. The most striking feature is the exterior, where the gold-painted facade beautifully catches the sunset light. Inside, the sculptures and the overall aesthetic of the interior make for a very pleasant and rewarding visit.

As the most famous attraction in the city, this church is magnificent and rich in historical value. Legend has it that Michelangelo visited it in his youth to draw inspiration, which shows how profound its artistic value is. The church itself is not as magnificent as other churches in Rome, but the sculptures here convey the people's worship and longing for the church at that time. If you have enough time, I recommend purchasing a ticket to visit the underground city. Unfortunately, we arrived early this time and the guided tour had not yet started. I believe I will definitely visit the underground city next time I visit!

It's a massive Cathedral. The experience is amazing. It is as much a gallery of art as a place of worship. So as a mark of respect don't use camera inside the Cathedral. For tourists, take a train from Rome, or Florence to Orvieto. Then the Funicular to the top of the hill. There's a small fort and a underground place also for visitors. Local food is very good and reasonably priced

The Duomo in Orvieto is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve visited in Italy. The outside is stunning — the front is full of detailed mosaics, sculptures, and gold decorations that shine in the sunlight. The walls are made of black and white stone in stripes, which makes it look very unique compared to other cathedrals. Inside, the cathedral is peaceful and full of history. The most impressive part is the Chapel of San Brizio, where you can see amazing frescoes by Luca Signorelli. These paintings show scenes from the Last Judgment and the Apocalypse, and the emotion and detail in the faces are incredible. It’s hard to believe they were painted over 500 years ago. Another highlight is the crypt, which many visitors miss. It’s small but very interesting, with ancient frescoes, old tombs, and Christian symbols. It feels like a hidden part of the cathedral that connects you to a much older time. Overall, the Duomo is not just beautiful — it also tells many stories through its art and structure. If you’re in Orvieto, don’t miss it. It’s a perfect mix of architecture, art, and history in one place.

Stunning architecture! Italy is home to many exceptional cathedrals, but this one truly stands out as one of the most remarkable in all of Europe. Entry is only €6.50, and remember to cover your shoulders and legs to be allowed inside. The grandeur and beauty are absolutely breathtaking, you’ll be amazed.

This is a stunning 1500 church in the Florence style using the black and white stones to create the iconic stripes. The fresco paintings inside are well worth a look. They depict the Last Judgment, featuring vivid scenes of the Resurrection of the Flesh, the Elect in Paradise, and the Damned in Hell.Buy the entry tickets opposite.

Absolutely worth every cent. This Cathedral is beautiful, there is only one Cathedral more beautiful and that's the Berliner Dom in Germany. In November 2025 the entry cost is €8 per Adult. This is a must see destination in Italy.

Amazing place. A convent/church that has been revived by a genius architect and artist who built magnificent and creative theaters behind it. Unique. Wherever you look, you'll see another work of art. Entrance only on weekends by pre reservation. The tour (mandatory) is a bit too long, and *you can't* leave before it ends...

PLEASE AVOID! Leaving one star because I can’t leave no stars. I don’t even know where to begin. We arrived after 11am on a Saturday morning (hadn’t checked the website as I always check opening times on google maps, perhaps my fault), and were rushed in by somebody standing at the gate to the property. Without explaining much, he told us it was 10€ per person, and we paid in cash. He locked the gate and told us to follow him. We arrived to an amazing amphitheater where there were about 100 people, half of them listening to an older guy speaking very loudly in Italian. It was no problem we didn’t understand half of it, at least we would get a tour of the place, or so we thought. He rambled for at least 45 min… not really sure if that was supposed to be a tour or what, but we decided we were not willing to spend the next hour listening to a mad man talking about the universe in the intense heat, without seeing any of the actual place! Worst 10€ spent, ever. Still, we thought we’d cut our losses and asked the man who we paid to let us in, to let us out. No big deal right? He told us to wait 5 min, which we did. After that, we asked again if we could leave. Very very quickly he got quite defensive, and said (not jokingly) he “might not let us out at all”. EXCUSE ME, WHAT? I’ve never ever experienced such awful customer care/experience. We can laugh about it now but panic was starting to set it, honestly. I was so ready to call the police when he started walking towards the exit. We followed him and thank god! What an absolute nightmare. We were finally free. I’m sure the place is amazing, and I would have loved to see more of it, but it’s really not worth dealing with such tw***. Spend your money somewhere else. In a pizza, a glass of wine, an aperol spritz or anywhere else where you’ll feel you’re actually treated with respect. PLEASE AVOID!!

The place is beautiful and for sure culturally and historically fascinating, but as a person with limited understanding of Italian, I felt like I was a prisoner of the tour guides who refused to let us leave after an hour of listening to an abstract monologue full of insults and inside jokes that no one found funny. In the end we convinced someone to open the door for us, but were denied the honor of seeing medieval frescoes, which felt a lot like a vendetta for our lack of appreciation for the tour. The road leading to the place is definitely only fit for 4x4 cars. If you have one, speak Italian and also have 10€, 2 hours and a lot of patience then I guess it can be worth it. Really curious to know what guardia di finanza would say about the fact there is cash only & no receipts policy.

The architect Tomaso Buzzi is the creative mind who brought together historical styles, symbols, and quotes from the past in his designs for this aritecture park. Built on the ex-property of a Franciscan monestary. Our guide, the nephew of Buzzi, opened the visit by noting: "St. Francis was the first who used drugs" as a way to think about the way people use drugs today to change their perception of the world. The tour is in italian but there is someone on hand to help with English sums on the side. Group visit is big (c100 people) but the guide uses a speaker-microphone so it was easy to hear. Also, big open spaces and much freedom to walk around and take photos. It seemed to me many people in my group did not read about the site in advance OR were not open-minded enough to appreciate the site and the guide. I highly recommend the site for people who want to have an experience outside the norm of guided visits to art-gardens in Italy. Be sure to rsvp weeks in advance.

Incredible history of architecture and sculpture! Must visit but call and book in advance as they often don't take bookings/no last minute entries! 10euro per person

Amazing surreal place in the middle of nowhere. Despite all the complaints about the guide I thought it was fantastic and suit the uncommon nature of the place itself! He's a genius.

A different experience into a place hidden from society and frozen in time. Not quite easy to reach but definitely worth it. The architecture is full of mystical symbols and the guide stories are both interesting and fun. Preorder are received by emails for groups of min 8 persons

I visited in early September 2024. Fun experience! Something unique to Orvieto and highly recommended. The history of the well is very interesting and it was revolutionary for its time. However, not for those with mobility issues. Yes, there are some railings, but the stairs are slick and uneven. Also, maybe not if you have breathing issues. It was very humid, my hair doubled in size! Lol Great exercise!

Really cool to see! The steps could be an issue for someone in less than ideal shape, but my husband and I made it to the bottom and back up (with a stop to take pictures at the bottom) in less than 10 minutes. Ticket purchase at the office was quick and easy.

Loved the walk down and UP the stairs. Walked it with my 7 year old daughter and she made it up and down easy enough. Not at all claustrophobic (even though it thought it might be). Fun thing to do takes about 30mins. Worth the entry fe.

A Charming Visitor's Note Descending the 248 steps of the Pozzo di San Patrizio is a profound experience. This masterpiece of Renaissance engineering feels like an inverted, mesmerizing tower. The light filtering in from the 72 windows highlights the genius of the double helix design. It is fascinating to walk the path once used by donkeys to carry water, knowing the separate ramps ensured they never crossed paths. Be sure to look up from the bottom for a dizzying view! A stunning blend of history, necessity, and clever design. The Historical Secret Built in the 16th century (1527-1537), this Italian well's history is rooted in crisis. Following the Sack of Rome (1527), Pope Clement VII sought refuge in Orvieto and commissioned architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger to ensure the city had water during a siege. Sangallo's brilliant solution was the double spiral staircase, allowing continuous, non-crossing traffic for water-carrying mules. Originally Pozzo della Rocca, it was renamed Pozzo di San Patrizio because its depth evoked the Irish legend of St. Patrick’s Purgatory. The well's purpose is captured by the Latin inscription: QUOD NATURA MUNIMENTO INVIDERAT INDUSTRIA ADIECIT (What nature grudged for defence, industry has supplied).

Quite a unique place to see a medieval well where you walk through a double helix to get to the bottom of the well and then back up. Worth a visit if you can do the walk Once you are in, you have to commit to finish the walk. There are no shortcuts to exit.

Great attraction. I was skeptical at first, because of my claustrophobia, but it turned out to not be a problem as the stairwell is quite wide. I really recommend

This was a really cool place to visit and worth the work to see and explore.

Really good tour. First part is sat down listening to a lady speak (who was excellent) and a video. Then a look at the exhibits in the museum. Best bit was then the factory tour which takes place on a kind of enclosed, raised walkway. Fascinating. My kids loved seeing the robots packing chocolates. Finishes with an opportunity to taste the range. Very well done and a good 2 hour experience.

We went there without any appointment. But lucky us, we still got a chance to join an Italian group to visit the factory. Although we don’t speak any Italian, the guide lady was super friendly and nice! She played an introduction video in English and explained to us in English as well. And the workers at the factory look so happy. Last but not least, the entire factory smells sooooooo yummy 😋 Highly recommend to visit! We had a lot of fun there. Of course, it would be better to check their schedule before going, they have English tour as well.

They came highly recommended, but very disappointing!! Please don’t waste your money here. They are not willing to accommodate or help you. Wanted to book a private tour in English, cost over 600E for a tour and private class. Won’t take a credit card, wanted my bank information….. Booked a tour at Lindt in Switzerland and very helpful and worked with you!!! Someone told me about another chocolate factory in Perugia called Be Well… great people…very nice….

We called their number and made a reservation for an English tour in advance. The entrance is closed from 1300h to 1400h (and they did not open it early despite seeing lots of us waiting outside in the sun). Adult tickets are €10 each; children accompanied by an adult are €8 (you buy tickets there). The 1400h tour started at 1412h. Our guide was Gloria, she speaks English very well, and was very friendly with the group. She gave a short introduction and then we watched a ten minute video about the history and how their chocolate is made (disappointing that Perugina company was taken over by Nestle). Then we had a five to ten minute period of sampling chocolate (four Baci, one dark OR milk chocolate egg, and one Milky Bar and one After Eight - seven chocolates in total). The group all went to the museum portion together where Gloria explained more of the history, etc... (probably about 15 minutes). Then we went to tour the factory (probably about 15 minutes). It was unfortunate that we didn't see the chocolate being made on the assembly line (nothing was coming out on the machines), but we did see the chocolate being boxed up. We got into their shop area just over an hour after the start of the tour (around 1530h). This is an ok thing if you're looking for something to do in the area, but not worth a special trip only for this IMO. They ramp up production in October for Easter (so you'd see the giant eggs being made with the surprise in the middle). The town has a chocolate festival in October as well. What ruined our experience (otherwise this would have been three stars), was there was a massive group (greater than 20 people, at least 12 of which were children ranging in age from toddler to about 10yo) who came in after the video, and were extremely loud. There was so much yelling, crying, children running around everywhere, it was hard to hear the guide, and if you happened to be more than three to five people behind the guide in the factory you could not hear her at all. Because of advance booking for the tour, this group should have been put by themselves. Our "original group" of about 15 people would've been great. If the factory is going to have groups greater than 15 people they should have head sets for everyone to be able to hear the guide, or simply keep the groups smaller and run more frequent tours.

An extensive tour of the famous ‘Baci’ chocolate factory and adjoining museum. Event (pre-booked on their website) starts off with a video feature, followed by some tasty chocolate samples, and a guided tour starting with an exhibition on how it all started, with an extensive display of the many products sold and on sale, ending with an overhead walk along the factory and a well-stocked shop with items for sale. All you chocolate lovers this is worth a visit to set you dreaming!

If you visit perugia is a must experience!We had the pleasure of English guide and she explained everything sharing the passion for the company its values!We ate a lot of chocolates and we had the opportunity to buy some chocolate souvenirs on low price.The tickets were 8 euros as it was weekend and some production machines didn't operate. However it was a pleasant visit!

A tasty history and tour of the world's leading chocolateer. Brief and interesting video, tasty tasting treats followed by a very interesting tour of this gigantic and highly automated tour of a chocolate factory that would make Willie and the Wonka-heads proud.

Really loved this place. Only drawbacks were the distance between all the places to see, excessive hills to get there and the terrible store mannequins dressed badly to look like Disney characters. Loved seeing the animals in natural setting, the labyrinth was great, wonderful to see Cappuccetto Rosso, Pinocchio etc but would have liked to see the other houses that were closed up for unknown reasons.

DO NOT VISIT THIS. ANIMAL RIGHTS ARE OFFENDED. This parc should be closed immediately. The animals get the basic water and hay but no care has been given to them and the shelters are very small. A lot of animals are alone....

I visited this beautiful animal park on Halloween weekend and I must say it brought beautiful memories and nostalgia how we celebrate Halloween in America. The decorations were so cute and the spooky music in the background all made the experience special. The nature is magnificent and you want to stay all day. The bathrooms and the whole area is kept very clean. I would suggest perhaps, adding some educational and interactive shows about the animals , and keeping the park open for some hours during the week.

Big parking spot (came with an RV) The park is big however, it the end of the season so the restaurant, tractor tour, electric cars and every thing is not working. Nice place to walk around for a couple of hours with the kids

Cutely Creepy- this amusement park was built in the 70’s, back then it must have been a blast. There is train that takes visitors around the park to explore the different themes : Pinocchio, Sleeping beauty, Riding red hood etc. In addition there are a zoo and a reptiles park where visitors can get insights about the different animal species. Despite the many options the complex looks it hasn’t been updated over the last 60 years. Either you like the nostalgic vibe or not, it is up to you.

IF I COULD I WOULD HAVE RATED THIS LOWER! DO NOT COME HERE! We went here to go have some fun on rides but when we went there the lady TOLD US THAT ALL THE RIDES WERE CLOSED!!! THE OBLY REASON WHY WE WENT IS BECAUSE WE WOULD HAVE WASTED MONEY TELLING THE TAXI DRIVER TO COME HERE. The lady working there kept on talking like a freaking NPC. I only saw 2 workers and 5 other people! Our flight ended up having a delay and we were 6 people in total so we ended up coming at 4:30pm but the park closed at 6:00pm. SHE DIDN'T EVEN GIVE US A DISCOUNT EVEN THO WE HAD TO PAY €100. THIS IS SUCH A DISGRACE! DONT COME HERE AGAIN! I forgot to mention that there were only animals and the deer's escaped from there place!

AVOID! AVOID! AVOID! I don't know if the 5 star reviews of this place have been paid for or if some people just have extremely low standards, but this place should be closed down. If I could give less stars I would. The park is completely dilapidated and unfit for purpose, perhaps it would have been good in the 90's but it seems there has been no care or maintenance since then. The play area's for the children are a complete health and safety hazard full of uneven surfaces and big rocks. I didnt let my child play there in fear of him getting hurt. The animals just look sad and completely miserable at their crappy surroundings. We went on a Monday to find that most of the attractions were closed. We found the place so depressing we left after just under an hour. My husband asked for a refund as we were extremely unhappy with the whole experience, just to be told by the manager we should have come yesterday as 'there was entertainment and it was better'. My question is why bother opening on a Monday if half the park/attractions are closed. We were refused a refund by the manager, he said he couldn't refund us, more like he didn't want to. What an absolute scam of a place, we felt completely ripped off and we left with a sour taste in our mouth. Don't make the mistake we did and not read the reviews properly, I saw 3.8 stars out of 5 and assumed it would be fine, it really wasn't. If you're looking for a nice family day out I recommend Lacugnano piscina in Perugia, don't waste your hard earned money here like we did! I honestly can't believe this establishment has the audacity to charge almost €50 for 2 adults and a child. If you insist on being open on a weekday with extremely limited attractions then it should be free. Do better!

Mega sights and shops but lots of lucky string sellers

Amazing turistica city situated on the hills serving you with amazing views of other surrounding villages. Here you live the historic story of the 90s and you see amazing ancient houses. All tourists should have a visit here

Todi is amazing and vibrant with locals and ex-pats!

Lots of history, beautiful architecture, great views

Todi is a hilltop town town in Umbria with amazing views . Since the centre of town is ZTL ( which means you have to park outside the walls and if you make the mistake of driving in, trust me, the fine will@arrive in the mail 🥲) Todi offers excellent options to get their visitors to the centre. Once parked in the Public paid parking there is either a shuttle bus every 15 minutes or a funicular into town, both of which are offered free.

Old Town with some interesting buildings and lots of alleyways to explore. Funicular out of action so free bus to town from parking area available.

Lovely main square full of life. On the south side is a gelateria so u can buy children's patience while u explore town 😎😎.

Hidden gem. Gubbio is a very welcoming place absolutely one of my favourites spots we were there for the rise of the Chero it was fantastic, the energy and vibe of the place is amazing.

Being somewhat isolated the basilica has the ambiance of a retreat or something, unusually with a pleasant courtyard fronting the basilica itself. It was all very peaceful until in true Italian style they display the corpse of Saint Ubaldo in a glass coffin. This time proudly on top of the altar. Not my cup of tea. If this might upset you then perhaps a visit to the nearby cafe is in order.

Interestinf church, on top of the hill ovelooking Gubbio. The lady at the bookshop was highly competent in the history of the saint and told us every detail we couldn't learn from a regulat guide book. We had great fun getting there with a 12 minute journey via cable car. Spectacular view!

Once in my life I'll take the funicolare to reach the hill. Need of some works to refurbish the terrace and so the restaurant there. Sight is magnificent so a place to rest should be open.

Situated right at the top of Gubbio, its this magnificent church. You see all the city and at the center of the church lies the body of St Ubaldo. Is really beautiful to live or visit this place.

Patron of Gubbio. Sweeping views from this majestic church overlooking the town of Gubbio. Reach by car or cable car. Mass is reverent and the people friendly. A nice cafe to enjoy a beverage after mass

Very interesting. You can see the (slightly freaky) preserved remains of Saint Ubaldo and also the traditional Ceri used on his feast day.

We attended the procession at night. Arrive early for the rosary and have time to pick up a candle. It was packed inside the church. It was a nice, moving experience when in the area. The church is currently undergoing some renovations.

What a beautiful church. Most special because of the portinocula - St Francis’ special little church. Incredible works of art- especially one of Francis receiving the stigmata. They also have confession booths with multiple languages, with very caring and open priests ready to hear and help you draw close to God. Francis’ place of death and his rose garden as well. Wonderful masses offered. A great gift shop. I wish I had bought more Tau necklaces while I was there to give to others. Also the bookstore is awesome. So many great Franciscan themes and authors.

Hi there, A Cathedral with impressive art on walls and ceiling. Well it was not allowed to take pictures but I've done one.

A very nice basilica in Assisi, probably often overlooked because people flock up to the hilltop to the town and the more famous basilica and other attractions. This is on the other side of the main train station of Assisi. It’s actually walkable distance from the train station. There is a nice museum, rose garden and gift shop in side as well. The piazza Della Porziuncola in front of the basilica is quite large and nice to walk around and take in the beauty of this place.

Beautiful Basilca where inside there is the Little Church that St Francis Of Assisi had renovated when he mistakenly got the message from The Cross wrong as he thought he had to rebuild the small Church but realised God meant the World Church .

Amazing experience, was able to take my mom to the place she always dreamt of… such a lovely experience

Attended Mass here on Sunday, with a good amount of pilgrims. Large inside, under renovations now even the Porziuncola. It’s a very special place to visit where St Francis prayed with his followers & passed away.

So special to experience these beautiful churches - up and down! We got to enjoy an English mass at 9am on Sunday. Touring with Rick Steeves podcast in our ear was great (also the town walk is so good). Loved the museum in the back. The highlight of course was the crypt, to spend some time in the presence of St Francis. Well- we know his presence is with us in Christ, but so cool to see his tomb. The Giotto frescoes are amazing and the ceilings- wow, that blue- I love it.

Lovely Medieval town - Assisi - famous for St Francis' Basilica, which we visited. Also had a lovely cappuccino but didn't stay for lunch. Escalators available to get you into the higher parts of town from all the car parks so no worries for older and less mobile visitors. A must-see if in Umbria

Today's highlight. You don't want to miss this place when in Assisi. Prepare for a walk uphill and downhill. Travel light but bring some coins or bills for the offering and candles. There's plenty of good restaurants and giftshop in the area. Walking distance to visit the tombs of St. Clare and Saint Carlo Acutis.🙏🙏🙏

What an amazing experience to be able to come on a pilgrimage here. The church is very beautiful and full of meaning. There is a tomb of St. Francis of Assisi under this church. There is also a museum, and a souvenir shop. Don’t forget when you enter, there is a prayer paper that we can take and write, so that later we can bring it to the tomb area of St. Francis, and we give to the brothers here to pray. Then don’t forget after shopping at the souvenir shop, bring it to the blessing section near the exit.

We visited here as part of a tour group, it has amazing art work throughout, its just a shame you can not take photos of your visit. It is a very large complex and will stun you by its size, it gets busy and has some stairways that are narrow.

Another beautiful and amazing church in Italy, the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi. We can visit the tomb, the mortal remaining of St Francis of Assisi, which was preserved since 1230. Also, this church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. there are two distinct churches: the Upper and Lower Basilicas. Visitors can explore intricate chapels adorned with remarkable artwork while learning about the rich history through audio guides.

A beautiful building with breathtaking murals inside. Photos are not permitted inside but it is well worth visiting. The murals are floor to ceiling and it's also a pleasant place to spend an hour out of the heat just admiring the works. ⛪

Just recently had a visit to this beautiful Cathedral every work of Art & piece of Sculpture is better than the other 👌 St Clare is one of my favourite Saints 💚.

Thank you for being able to visit the church in person on 15/5/2025 and drink beer that can only be found in Assisi🍻It would be great if I could stay for one night next time

May 2025. Nice Church with a square. The square has a fountain and carousel plus a nice view of the lowlands

Here is a 500-word review of the **Basilica of Santa Chiara** in Assisi, Italy: --- **Basilica of Santa Chiara – A Sacred Gem in the Heart of Assisi** Nestled on the slopes of Assisi with sweeping views over the Umbrian valley, the **Basilica of Santa Chiara** (Saint Clare) is a peaceful, radiant tribute to one of the most beloved figures in Christian history. Though often overshadowed by the grand Basilica of Saint Francis just a short walk away, Santa Chiara offers its own powerful spiritual presence and architectural beauty that moves visitors in quieter, more intimate ways. Built in the mid-13th century and dedicated to **Saint Clare of Assisi**, a close follower and spiritual companion of Saint Francis, the basilica serves as both a place of worship and a physical testament to her legacy. Clare was the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the **Poor Clares**, and she lived a life of radical poverty, humility, and service. This same simplicity is echoed in the church’s design. The façade of the basilica is striking in its understated elegance. Composed of alternating bands of pale pink and white stone from Mount Subasio, it reflects the light in soft, ethereal tones—particularly at sunrise or sunset. A large rose window adorns the front, typical of Umbrian-Gothic architecture, and the entrance is humble, yet inviting. The bell tower, added later, completes the silhouette of the church against the sky. Upon entering the basilica, the **atmosphere shifts dramatically**. It’s quiet, dimly lit, and deeply contemplative. The simplicity of the interior draws the eye and the heart toward what matters most: prayer and reflection. Frescoes adorn the walls, including some attributed to early followers of Giotto. These delicate images tell the story of Saint Clare’s life and her profound faith, adding color and warmth without overwhelming the space. The true heart of the basilica lies beneath, in the **crypt where Saint Clare’s body rests**, displayed in a glass coffin. Pilgrims and visitors alike approach with reverence. Her incorrupt body, long preserved, serves as a reminder of the depth of her devotion. Surrounding her tomb are relics of both Saint Clare and Saint Francis, including tunics, haircloths, and personal effects that humanize these legendary figures and connect the visitor to their daily lives. Outside the basilica, the **piazza** offers a panoramic view of the Umbrian countryside, making it one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in Assisi. Whether you're a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or a casual traveler, sitting on the stone steps as the bells chime can be a moment of deep peace. The **Basilica of Santa Chiara** is not grand in a worldly sense, but its spiritual weight is undeniable. It embodies the Franciscan values of humility, beauty, and inner strength. In a town steeped in faith and history, this sacred space is both a monument to a powerful woman and a place where the soul can breathe. Visiting Santa Chiara is not just about seeing a church; it’s about feeling a presence—a gentle call to simplicity, compassion, and silent grace.

Absolutely beautiful basilica. The crypto of Saint Clare is special and worth spending a good amount of time. There's some beautiful artwork, cross, architecture. It can get busy at times though.

Beautiful Basilica, many people in different countries Gathered in this country,

Very beautiful and artistic church. It's right near the town centre.

A beautiful Monastery in the area of the Marche. A bit difficult to find but worth the trouble. My visit was guided and in Italian. Access was very limited to about four areas of the Monastery and no photos were allowed. Access is limited to certain times and it cost only 2 euros (contribution).

A place of natural wonder and history. From the ancient garden to the surrounding mountains, there is peace all around. The ancient pharmacy is stocked with herbal concoctions and essential oils. I've sampled quite a few products but the hazelnut chocolate is something almost everyone will agree is simply divine.

XII century building surrounded by the mountains where silence is a gift of God feel blessed.

Found it by accident. Close to Mount Catria. The road that goes by it is closed to traffic until March 31st

Beautiful monastery in the mountains. Dante wrote here in tranquility.

Beautiful, peaceful and picture perfect!

Very evocative place, closes early!

Breathtaking and very picturesque place. Great piece of culture that can be appreciated by both believers and atheists.

A ‘thin’ place of connection with God, run by humble friars. The main centre was quite busy and museum like, with a well laid out and preserved history of this hermitage of St Francis and his brothers and those who built this monastery after. The two gems for for were: 1)the time with God hiking there. It was beautiful, and the first half was harder than I expected. I was glad I left nearly in the morning and wore good shoes. I did notice others walked along the road to get there. (You can drive as well, thus lots of people there.) 2) taking time out in the caves and spots of worship on the grounds. There was even a pilgrimage mass going on at the far end - so lovely. Not only was this a moment of historic learning, it was a time of deep connection with Jesus.

Very beautiful and peaceful place. If you go to Assisi you must go. Free entrance

An enchanting spot in the hills. Would highly recommend walking up and taking the forest path - everyone seems to walk up the road but there is a very clearly signed path from the city wall which goes up through the forest. It is a challenging uphill climb but well worth it for the views and peaceful site. Plus the feeling of pride at the summit! The hermitage complex is stunning and well worth the walk up.

If you go to Assisi, a beautiful sanctuary to go to is Eremo Della Carceri. You can walk the 4 km up hill, with spectacular views which takes between 1-1 1/2 hrs. There is a welcome cafe at the entrance 🙂. The caves here are where St Francis and his brothers lived and prayed and the monastery was built around them. The grounds on the mountainside are so peaceful to walk and pray in. The monastery has some small passages and narrow stairways, but this adds to the atmosphere. The monks there are very welcoming. Beautiful.

To visit here is like going on a day retreat. I walked from Assisi, it was a steep uphill walk. The building is simple stone nestled in the forest

Is is a lovely place full of calm energy. Not many turists and a really nice hike with views.