If you are planning to visit Assisi but the weather does not look very promising, do not despair.

Read our article and discover what you can do in Assisi when it rains.

The city of peace certainly offers many outdoor activities, but what is there to do in Assisi when it rains?

You wanted to go to Assisi to visit the city and walk through the splendid Umbrian countryside, instead it seems like the rain will force you to change your plans.

While hoping it will not rain for the entire duration of your holiday, we would like to inform you that there are several alternative indoor activities in the city of St. Francis.

Read our tips to find out what there is to do in Assisi when it rains and have a wonderful holiday.

THE MUSEUMS IN ASSISI

The city is certainly full of culture and history and there are many museums to visit. Below find some of the most beautiful museums you can visit in Assisi.

Il museo diocesano e la cripta di San Rufino (The Diocesan Museum and Crypt of St. Rufus) are accessible from Palazzo dei Canonici or from inside the Cathedral of San Rufino. The museum exhibits archaeological finds from the Roman and medieval eras, frescoes and paintings. You can also admire the wonderful cripta di San Rufino, which is divided into three naves.

Il MUMA, museo missionario dell’Amazzonia (The Missionary Museum of the Amazon), is unique. It is an interactive and multimedia museum, which tells the story of the mission of the Umbrian Capuchin Monks and exhibits the flora and fauna of the areas of the Amazon where the monks built schools, hospitals and churches.

Palazzo Vallemani is home to the la pinacoteca comunale (Municipal Art Gallery). Here you can admire the medieval and renaissance frescoes and wonderful paintings on wood and canvas.

THE CHURCHES OF ASSISI

You cannot go to Assisi and not visit the countless churches that lie on its territory, even more so on rainy days, when you have to take refuge indoors.

The Basilica di San Francesco (St. Francis’ Basilica) is, without a doubt, the most loved destination for pilgrims that venerate the Saint. It is divided into the upper and lower churches and houses the tomb of St. Francis in the crypt.

The cattedrale di San Rufino (Cathedral of St. Rufus), with its Romanesque façade, is also worth a visit; St. Francis and Saint Clare were baptised here.

We also recommend a visit to the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels), which houses the Porziuncola and the Cappella del Transito (Chapel of Transit), where the Saint died (source: Assisi Virtual).

SPAS AND WELL-BEING CENTRES

On a sunny day we feel sure you would prefer to visit the city and its beautiful architecture, unfortunately, if the weather doesn’t allow this, you could spend some time relaxing in one of the city’s well-being centres. There are several hotels or centres that have spa facilities.

Relaxing with a massage or in the warm Jacuzzi is the best way to wait for the weather to improve.

Enjoy a few hours of rest and relaxation before going back to visiting Assisi completely rejuvenated.

TASTING UMBRIAN WINES AND SPECIALITIES

Umbria is a land that offers simple and traditional dishes, but all with unique flavours. Visitors cannot but taste the specialties that make this region famous in Italy and also worldwide. So why not take advantage of the bad weather to indulge in tasting events?

Assisi is home to taverns and restaurants typical of the area. You can taste our famous torta al testo (Umbrian flat bread), the pagnotta francescana (a dessert typical of Assisi), cold cuts and cheeses, strangozzi and umbricelli (typical pasta), bruschette, truffles and much, much more.

Don’t forget to accompany your meals with the typical wines of the area. In fact, along with other Municipalities, Assisi is part of the Strada dei Vini del Cantico (Canticle Wine Route), an association that is involved in territorial promotion of the most important wine production centres in the area.

You can enjoy typical lunches and dinners in the nearby restaurant of Hotel La Rocca, where you can taste our typical family cuisine.

Have our tips been useful? As you can see, even with rain the city of St. Francis is a great destination for immersing yourselves in the culture, history and tradition of Umbria.

All you have to do is choose the activities that appeal to you most and wait for the sun to come out.

Enjoy your holiday!