What You Need to Know: Useful Information

The Roman Forum of Assisi showcases the ancient city of Asisium, now located beneath the modern town square. Although less visited than famous sites like the Basilica of St. Francis, the Roman Forum is worth exploring. It offers a unique glimpse into the ancient history of Assisi, allowing visitors to understand the Roman past that preceded the city's religious fame. The Forum is located below street level, accessible from Via Portica, and covers an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. Here you can admire the remains of Roman public structures, such as the temple base, mosaic floors, and original travertine blocks. This space was the heart of civil and political life in Asisium, where markets, assemblies, and religious ceremonies were held. An interesting fact for tourists is that the Roman Forum is connected to the Romanesque crypt of the former church of San Nicolò “de Platea”, which houses ancient sarcophagi and capitals. In addition, above the Forum stands the famous Temple of Minerva, converted into a church in the Middle Ages but perfectly preserved with its original colonnade. Visiting the Roman Forum means discovering a lesser-known but fascinating side of Assisi, allowing you to appreciate how the city has been able to integrate its Roman origins with its medieval and religious heritage. For those who want a more complete experience, it is possible to combine a visit to the Forum with a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which houses numerous artifacts found during excavations.

Roman Stones & Under-Square Ruins: A Connoisseur’s Guide to the Assisi Roman Forum -

Getting There

By train

You can easily take a regional train directly to Assisi railway station (located down in the valley at Santa Maria degli Angeli). From the station plaza, the frequent Linea C local transit bus runs up the hillside every 30 minutes, dropping you off right at the gates of the upper historic center.

By car

Driving allows you to explore the Umbrian hillside at your own pace, though the historic center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). Take the SS75 highway and exit at Assisi Santa Maria degli Angeli, following signs up the mountain toward the large underground parking facility at Parcheggio Matteotti or Parcheggio Mojano, which put you just a short walk from the central square.

By bus

For regional transit travelers, daily intercity Busitalia Umbria buses connect major nearby hubs like Perugia, Foligno, and Spoleto directly to the Piazza Matteotti terminal or Largo San Pietro in Assisi, allowing easy access to the town's archaeological sites.

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What to Bring & Pro Tips

  • Because the Forum is located below street level and accessed via an underground route starting from Via Portica, the ancient mosaic floors and stone steps can retain moisture and become slick; it is essential to wear sturdy, flat walking shoes with excellent grip.
  • Since the subterranean spaces cover an area of approximately 10,000 square meters and stay significantly cooler than the surface, packing a light jacket or sweater is highly recommended even during the hot summer months.
  • To get the absolute most value out of your excursion, ask the ticket counter for the combined ticket that pairs your Forum entry with a visit to the Archaeological Museum to view the spectacular artifacts found during local excavations.
  • Bring a camera that performs well in dim settings so you can properly capture the intricate textures of the original travertine blocks without washing them out with a heavy flash.

The “Hidden Gem”

Once you have stepped back up to daylight from the ancient foundations of Asisium, leave the central squares behind and take a steep walk up the hill to explore the majestic ruins of the Rocca Maggiore.

Instead of checking out standard subterranean chambers, this towering 14th-century medieval fortress sits like an imposing stone crown high above the rooftops of Assisi. Originally built by imperial rulers to dominate the valley, the fortress features massive defensive walls, deep bastions, and a long, covered stone corridor that leads straight to a detached lookout tower. Walking through its open, breezy courtyards offers a wonderfully expansive, panoramic break from the enclosed spaces of the underground Roman Forum, rewarding adventurous travelers with the most breathtaking, unobstructed views of the entire Umbrian valley stretching out toward Perugia.