About the Basilica
St. Mary of the Angels in Porziuncola
The church is a Papal Basilica constructed around the Porziuncola, the most sacred place for the Franciscans.
Here, Francis rebuilt the church and understood his vocation by listening to the Gospel and allowing himself to be met by the Living Word.
Here, he gathered friars every year to discuss the Rule, rediscover their fervor, and set out again to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.
Here, he cut the hair of Chiara di Offreduccio as a sign of lifelong dedication to the Lord. Others later joined her, founding the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares.
Here, on the evening of October 3, 1226, Francis wanted to be taken to welcome Sister Death.
About the Refettorietto
The Refettorietto is a chapel located inside the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola.
Once a refectory for the Order of Friars Minor at the Basilica, it is now a beautiful chapel for worship in an area of the church pilgrims frequently miss.
How to find
the Refettorietto
Along the path towards our chapel, you’ll pass many key sites from Francis’ life many visitors usually overlook, including:
- the Rose Garden, the last remains of the ancient wood where St. Francis and the friars lived
- the Rose Chapel, where St. Francis prayed and fasted
- beautiful artwork and exhibits depicting the first manger scene at Greccio and St. Francis’ life and work
- the Old Friary and museum
A guide in pictures
Follow the right side of the Main Church towards the back.
In general, follow the signs reading Uscita or Exit through the interior of the church.
How to reach
Santa Maria degli Angeli
Santa Maria degli Angeli is a frazione of Assisi situated in the plain at the foot of the hill of the historic center.
Arriving by car
Take Highway E45 and use the S. Maria degli Angeli exit.
To inquire about taxi service for your group, please contact [email protected].
Arriving by train
From Rome – Trenitalia operates fast regional (RegV) trains from Rome to Perugia every day, where you can exit at Assisi. There is also a fast regional train from Rome to Ancona, where you can exit at Foligno and connect to Assisi on a regional (Reg) train.
From Florence – Trenitalia operates fast regional (RegV) trains from Florence to Foligno every day, where you can exit at Assisi.
Search schedules and purchase tickets with Trenitalia
Arriving by bus
From Rome – Flixbus operates a line from the Rome Tiburtina bus station to the Piazza Partigiani bus station in Perugia, where you can take the E007 Bus from Perugia to Assisi and exit at Assisi Stazione.
Search schedules and purchase tickets from Rome to Perugia with Flixbus
From Florence – Flixbus operates a line from the Florence Villa Costanza bus station to Assisi.
Search schedules and purchase tickets from Florence to Assisi with Flixbus
From Umbria International Airport (PEG) – Busitalia operates a dedicated line between the airport and Assisi.
From the historic center – Busitalia operates an urban line connecting all the most important places in Assisi.
Arriving by flight
Umbria International Airport (PEG), or the Perugia Airport, is located minutes outside Assisi. It operates, among other flights, a popular connection to London Stansted (STN) airport.