Roman and civic landmarks of Assisi

Why go

Look at the fortress above the town, the amphitheatre’s outline in later houses, and the civic buildings around Piazza del Comune. Together they show how Roman planning, medieval government and later papal power left different marks on Assisi. They also help distinguish civic Assisi from its religious monuments.

Useful to know

• Use Piazza del Comune to compare the Temple of Minerva with the medieval Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and Torre del Popolo.
• Read the amphitheatre through its surviving elliptical street and building pattern rather than expecting a complete arena.

The route, stop by stop

1. 01

   Optional · – min

   Rocca Maggiore

   Rocca Maggiore is a ticketed medieval fortress above Assisi, with museum rooms inside and views from its towers. The uphill approach pays off in a broad perspective on the town and valley.

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2. Walk · 4 min · Estimated

   02

   Optional · – min

   Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

   The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the adjoining civic tower were built for the magistracy of the same name and preserve valuable works.

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3. Walk · 2 min · Estimated

   03

   Optional · – min

   Temple of Minerva

   The Roman Temple of Minerva survives on Piazza del Comune as the monumental façade of a later Christian church. Its ancient columns make the layered history of Assisi visible at the centre of town.

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4. Walk · 2 min · Estimated

   04

   Optional · – min

   Piazza del Comune

   The civic square brings the Roman Temple of Minerva, medieval civic buildings and everyday central Assisi into one open setting.

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