Widely considered one of the best-preserved medieval squares in all of Italy, the Piazza del Comune is the focal point of the town of Assisi. Explore the open-air restaurants, gelatarias and wine bars that surround this pedestrian-only square, giving it a lovely warm atmosphere that attracts tourists and locals. After a long day sightseeing on the hilly streets of Assisi, the piazza is the perfect place to sit back and relax.
Sit on the steps of the Temple of Minerva with a gelato in hand to admire one of Italy’s best-preserved classical facades. Like the Pantheon in Rome, the Temple of Minerva owes its conservation to having been transformed into a church in medieval times.
To put the Temple of Minerva into context, walk just a few feet to the entrance to Assisi’s Civic Museum and Roman Forum. The museum’s collections include Umbrian and Roman antiquities and a scale model that reconstructs the layout of the Roman forum, the remains of which are directly underneath the modern piazza. These sites provide a stark reminder that while Assisi is most famous for being home to the patron saint of Italy, the town was a Roman settlement long before Francis walked its cobblestone streets.
Find gifts for friends and family at any of the tourist shops in the square and on the adjoining streets. The three-tiered fountain in the square is adorned with reliefs of lions and offers a great photo opportunity.
In one of the restaurants that spill out over the square enjoy a meal, from a simple panini or focaccia to a range of Italian and Umbrian fine-dining options.
The Piazza del Comune is located in central Assisi and buses from around town stop at the square. On the southern side of the square there is a tourism office, which offers up-to-date information on tourist attractions and advice on what to do during your stay. The piazza is surrounded by many hotels, which provide a good base for your stay in Assisi.
