Santa Maria degli Angeli is best known as the home of one of the most venerated religious figures in history. It’s here that St. Francis of Assisi preached and decided to devote himself to a life of poverty in the 12th century. Visit the village’s Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses some of the world’s most important religious artworks and relics.
The area has an elevation of 715 feet (218 meters) above sea level and lies in the midst of Umbria’s picturesque countryside. Interact with the locals, who make up the village’s small population of around 6,500.
Note the golden statue of the Madonna degli Angeli that stands atop the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Capture photos of the church at night, when it’s illuminated with an enchanting yellow light.
Inside the church is the chapel of Porziuncola, one of the most important structures in Christendom. Learn about the basilica’s significance, including its role in the origins of the Franciscan Order. Gaze up at the interior of the church’s dome from the heart of the chapel, which was constructed in the 11th century and contains impressive frescos from the 1300s.
Don’t miss the basilica’s Cappella del Transito, which sits on the spot where the saint passed away in 1226. Examine its 16th-century design and ornate altar.
Visit the nearby town of Assisi to see the Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi, another ecclesiastical treasure linked to St. Francis of Assisi. See the saint’s coffin on display in a crypt below the church’s Lower Basilica.
Santa Maria degli Angeli is located in the southwestern outskirts of Assisi in central Italy. Take the train or drive southeast from Perugia to get here in about 20 minutes. The nearest major transportation hub is the Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi – Umbria International Airport, located 7 miles (11 kilometers) to the northwest.
With its important church and quiet countryside setting, Santa Maria degli Angeli is the perfect destination for enthusiasts of religion, history and scenic landscapes.
