2 Hour The Secrets of Assisi Underground Walking Guided Tour

The 2 Hour The Secrets of Assisi Underground Walking Guided Tour offers a rare glimpse into Assisi’s lesser-known history beneath its famous religious landmarks. Priced at $132.42 per person, this small-group experience is ideal for those eager to explore the city’s underground layers, including Roman ruins, medieval crypts, and ancient frescoes. With a duration of about 2 hours, the tour is designed to be engaging without feeling rushed, accommodating groups capped at 15 people for a more intimate atmosphere.

While admission to the sites is not included in the ticket price, the guided experience promises expert narration that reveals Assisi’s buried past. This tour is best suited for travelers with an interest in archaeology, art, and history, and who appreciate well-informed guides. Note that booking typically occurs 12 days in advance, so planning ahead ensures a spot on this captivating subterranean journey.

Key Points

• Small-group guided tour capped at 15 participants for a personalized experience
• Explores underground sites like Roman forum, crypt of San Rufino, and Assisi Cathedral basement
• Includes expert narration that highlights art, frescoes, and historical connections to St. Francis
• Duration of approximately 2 hours, ideal for a quick yet thorough underground exploration
• Entry tickets not included, so plan to purchase entrance fees separately
• Rated 5 out of 5 from 2 reviews for knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling

Exploring Assisi’s Underground History at the Museo Diocesano e Cripta di San Rufino

The first stop on this tour brings visitors to the basement of the Museo Diocesano and San Rufino Cathedral. Here, the environment is evocative and steeped in history, featuring remains of an 11th-century Romanesque cloister and the Crypt of San Rufino. This crypt, located beneath the nave of the cathedral, was a retreat for St. Francis when he preached here, making it a site of significant religious importance.

Visitors will notice frescoes from the same period as the crypt, which are remarkably well-preserved and add to the sense of stepping back in time. The crypt also houses a Roman sarcophagus depicting the myth of Selene and Endymion, which once contained the coffin of the patron saint Rufinus. The museum further preserves artworks from the cathedral, emphasizing the spiritual and artistic legacy of the site.

Although entry fees are not included, this stop provides a rich context for understanding Assisi’s medieval and Roman past. The environment is intimate and atmospheric, perfect for those who want a closer look at early Christian art and Roman relics.

Discovering the Roman Forum Beneath Assisi’s Town Square

Next, the tour guides visitors beneath Assisi’s central square, where the Roman Forum was uncovered during excavations in 1836. This underground site offers a view into ancient Roman life that most visitors overlook when exploring the above-ground monuments.

You will see the base of a Roman temple, along with features like access gates to a monumental cistern, and the podium with seats for magistrates—all remnants of the city’s Roman era. An impressive tetrastyle temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux adds to the historical richness of this underground space.

This part of the tour emphasizes archaeological discoveries and connects Assisi’s Roman roots to its medieval identity. While entrance to the Roman site is not included in the ticket, the guided narration helps turn these ruins into stories of ancient governance and faith.

The Artistic Treasures in the Crypt of San Rufino

A highlight of this underground journey is the Crypt of San Rufino. Located directly beneath the nave of the cathedral, this crypt was a place of prayer for St. Francis and is decorated with rare frescoes that have survived centuries. The crypt’s atmosphere is both quiet and evocative, allowing visitors to imagine the contemplative moments of Assisi’s early saints.

The frescoes and artifacts here emphasize the religious devotion that has shaped Assisi’s identity. This site, from the 11th century, offers an authentic glimpse into medieval Christian art and religious practices that are rarely seen outside of guided tours.

Since entry tickets are separate, visitors should plan to purchase admission ahead of time if they wish to access this compelling crypt. The environment is ideal for those interested in early Christian artistry and medieval religious sites.

Unveiling Assisi’s Roman Past at the Archaeological Museum and Forum

Beneath the Town Square, the remains of the Roman Forum include the base of a temple and seating podiums that illustrate how the ancient city was organized. The site also features a monumental cistern and a temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux, which represent the Roman influence on Assisi.

While exploring these ruins, the guide explains how the Roman city was structured and how it influenced the later medieval development of Assisi. The archaeological excavation was a significant discovery, offering insights into the city’s civil and religious life during Roman rule.

Admission to this archaeological site is not included, but the guided narrative helps contextualize the ruins’ importance. The experience suits those eager to connect Assisi’s current landscape with its ancient Roman foundations.

The Expertise and Style of the Guides

The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who excel at explaining complex historical details with clarity. One guide, Clair, is praised for her deep art knowledge and ability to bring artifacts to life, helping visitors visualize their historical use. Reviewers highlight her engaging storytelling and ability to answer questions, making the tour both informative and accessible.

The guides’ expertise ensures that even those unfamiliar with archaeological sites can appreciate the significance of each location. The tour’s small-group format fosters interaction and ensures that everyone has a chance to ask questions and engage with the stories behind Assisi’s underground secrets.

Practical Tips for the Underground Tour

Since the tour duration is around 2 hours, participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. The environment within underground sites can be cool, so dressing appropriately is advised. The tour starts at the Cathedral of San Rufino and ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

Booking 12 days in advance is recommended, as the tour is popular and spaces are limited. Entry tickets to the sites are separate, so plan to purchase those ahead of time to avoid delays. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though some sites may require moderate walking or standing.

Comparing the Underground Tour with Other Assisi Experiences

This experience offers a unique focus on Assisi’s underground and archaeological sites, contrasting with more common above-ground basilica visits. Other tours, such as the St. Francis Basilica or city walking tours, often emphasize religious monuments and artworks, while this tour uncovers the hidden layers beneath the city streets.

The small-group format and expert guides set this apart from larger, less personalized excursions. If you enjoy archaeology, religious history, and art history, this underground tour provides a deeper understanding of Assisi’s layered past.

Final Thoughts on the Assisi Underground Secrets Tour

This 2-hour guided walk offers a rich, underground perspective on Assisi’s history, revealing sites that are generally hidden from casual visitors. Its focus on Roman ruins, medieval crypts, and artifacts complements the more prominent above-ground landmarks. The expert guides and small-group format help make this experience memorable and informative.

While admission fees are separate, the guided narration adds immense value, helping visitors connect artworks and ruins with the stories of early Christian and Roman life. Perfect for history buffs and those interested in Assisi’s lesser-known layers, this tour provides an authentic and insightful look beneath the surface of this historic city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, the entrance tickets to the Museo Diocesano, Crypt of San Rufino, and Roman forum are not included in the tour price.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants for a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider that the environments are underground and may involve walking on uneven surfaces.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the sites involve walking on uneven surfaces and in cool underground environments.

When should I book?
It is best to book at least 12 days in advance due to the popularity of the tour.

Who leads the tour?
Experienced guides, such as Clair, lead the tour, bringing deep knowledge of art, history, and Assisi’s underground sites.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi.

How do I find out about similar experiences?
Additional underground and archaeological tours can be found through providers like Viator, offering different focus areas within Assisi.