With Francis – immersive VR experience in Assisi

Discover the Life of Saint Francis with Virtual Reality

The With Francis – immersive VR experience in Assisi offers a unique 17-minute journey into the heart of Saint Francis’s life. Located in Umbria, Italy, this innovative tour is provided by Secret Umbria, which boasts a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on feedback. Priced to include skip-the-line access, the experience is perfect for curious visitors of all ages, especially families and groups seeking a meaningful cultural activity.

What makes this tour particularly special is its modern approach to storytelling. Using virtual reality technology, visitors relive key moments in Saint Francis’s story, from his conversion at San Damiano to his vision on Monte della Verna. The tour takes place in a beautiful space directly in front of the Basilica of Saint Francis, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances the spiritual atmosphere. While the experience lasts just under a quarter of an hour, it offers a powerful emotional connection that resonates well beyond the time spent in the VR headset.

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Key Points

• Duration: approximately 17 minutes for the full experience
• Location: Press Room of the Sacred Convent in Assisi, Italy
• Price: Includes skip-the-line access and multi-language options
• Languages: available in seven languages including English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish
• Age recommendation: from 8 years old; not suitable for children under 10
• Accessibility: wheelchair accessible
• Content: features scenes like the conversion at San Damiano, encounter with lepers, scene of Greccio nativity, vision on Monte della Verna, and Canticle of the Creatures

The Location and How to Find It in Assisi

The meeting point for this VR journey is at the Press Room of the Sacred Convent, directly opposite the staircase leading from the lower to the upper Basilica. The precise coordinates are 43.07433319091797, 12.606586456298828, making it easy for visitors to locate. The space is set in a front-facing room, providing a calm environment for the virtual experience.

The entrance is straightforward, and the setting offers a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, ideal for engaging fully with the story of Saint Francis. Visitors should plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in and prepare for the VR headset.

What the Virtual Reality Experience Offers

The “Con Francesco” VR experience takes about 17 minutes to complete, but the core storytelling lasts around 15 minutes. You’re transported through seven key scenes of Saint Francis’s life, each narrated by the Saint himself. This personal storytelling approach helps create emotional engagement, making the history feel alive.

Highlights include the conversion scene at San Damiano, where Francis’s spiritual transformation begins, and the encounter with lepers, emphasizing his compassion. The living nativity scene at Greccio stands out as a highlight, showcasing Francis’s love for simplicity and his connection with nature. The vision on Monte della Verna and the Canticle of the Creatures capture his mystical and poetic side.

This experience doesn’t just recount history; it stirs feelings of brotherhood, humility, and love for nature, ideals that made Saint Francis globally loved. The voiceover narration guides visitors through each scene, making it accessible and engaging both for those already familiar with the Saint and newcomers discovering his story.

How Technology Enhances the Spiritual Journey

Using virtual reality technology, the tour offers an innovative lens through which to explore Assisi’s spiritual heritage. The headset is designed to be comfortable and usually compatible with own glasses, although comfort may vary. The immersive visuals and narration bring Saint Francis’s story to life, transforming a traditional visit into an emotional experience.

The combination of art, faith, and technology creates an environment that feels both modern and reverent. The experience is designed to resonate across different languages, with seven options available. Some content is shown in its original language, adding authenticity to the scenes.

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Accessibility and Visitor Tips

The experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that a wide range of visitors can participate. The venue does not permit pets or food and drinks, maintaining a clean and focused environment.

Since the VR headset is worn during the experience, visitors should be prepared to put on the headset and possibly wear their own glasses, if comfortable. It’s not recommended for children under 10, but children from age 8 can join if they are comfortable with VR technology. For younger children, a tablet is provided so they can watch the same content without wearing the headset.

Booking in advance is recommended, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience. This flexibility allows visitors to reserve their spot and pay later, making it easy to plan around other activities in Assisi.

Comparing with Other Assisi Experiences

While many tours in Assisi involve guided walks or visits to historical sites like the Basilicas and Old Town, this VR experience stands out for its innovative use of technology to tell Saint Francis’s story. Unlike traditional tours, it offers an emotional, personal perspective narrated directly by the Saint, making it particularly suited for those interested in faith-based journeys or modern storytelling.

The experience complements other cultural activities such as guided walking tours or art visits, but its short duration makes it a perfect addition to a day packed with sightseeing. For visitors seeking a reflective break or a deepened understanding of Saint Francis’s ideals, this virtual journey offers a memorable alternative.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour suits families with children over 8 years old, individuals interested in religious history, and technology enthusiasts curious about how VR can enhance cultural storytelling. It’s also ideal for groups looking for a meaningful activity that fits into a tight schedule, thanks to its short duration and skip-the-line access.

While the tour is not suitable for children under 10, those who do participate will find the personal narration and visual storytelling deeply engaging. The multi-language options make it accessible for international visitors, and the peaceful setting enhances the contemplative nature of the experience.

Final Words on the Virtual Journey in Assisi

The “With Francis” VR experience offers a fresh way to explore Saint Francis’s life, blending faith, art, and technology in a serene setting. Its short length makes it a practical choice for those wanting a meaningful insight into the Saint’s story without a lengthy commitment.

While it doesn’t replace a visit to the historic sites, the emotional impact and personal narration make it a valuable addition to any itinerary in Assisi. Visitors looking for a quiet moment of reflection or a tech-enhanced cultural activity will appreciate this immersive journey into the life of one of Italy’s most beloved saints.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the VR experience in Assisi?
The total duration is approximately 17 minutes, with the core storytelling lasting around 15 minutes.

Where does the experience take place?
It starts at the Press Room of the Sacred Convent right in front of the Basilica of Saint Francis.

What languages are available?
The experience is offered in seven languages, including English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish.

Is the experience suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 10. Children from age 8 can participate, with a tablet provided as an alternative for younger kids.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring my glasses?
Visitors can usually wear their own glasses during the VR experience, depending on comfort and size.

Are pets allowed inside?
No, pets are not permitted in the VR space.

What should I expect during the experience?
You will wear a VR headset and be guided through scenes like the conversion at San Damiano, encounter with lepers, and vision on Monte della Verna, narrated by Saint Francis himself.

Is there an age limit for participating?
Yes, it is not suitable for children under 10, but older children and adults will find the experience engaging and moving.

How do I reserve my spot?
Bookings can be made online with the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility to plan your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby