Cathedral of San Rufino Tours

Cathedral of San Rufino featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Cathedral of San Rufino showing signage and a church or cathedral
Cathedral of San Rufino showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Cathedral of San Rufino featuring heritage elements
Cathedral of San Rufino showing a church or cathedral


Visit this 13th-century Romanesque cathedral to learn the illustrious history of the site and to stand in the spot where St. Francis was baptized in 1182.

Although less famed than some of the other religious buildings in Assisi, the Cathedral of San Rufino is a site of enormous historic, spiritual and architectural significance. Dedicated to Assisi’s patron saint, Rufinus of Assisi, who converted the town to Christianity in the 3rd century, the Cathedral of San Rufino stands on the ruins of two other religious buildings. Explore the cathedral’s interior, the surrounding piazza and the subterranean crypt to see a diverse array of architectural styles and learn about the importance of the site in the history of the Franciscan Order.

Admire the western façade, which is constructed in an elegant Romanesque style, embellished with decorative friezes, reliefs of lions and griffins guarding the doors. Look for the decorative wheel-shaped rose windows towering over the cathedral’s entrances. From this viewpoint you can also see the bell tower to the left of the cathedral, which predates the cathedral by over a century, showing development in architectural styles and construction techniques.

Move slowly through the central nave of the cathedral, taking in the ornately decorated altars and massive pillars that support the dome overhead. Look down through the transparent glass panels below your feet to see the old church ruins on which the present cathedral was built.

Make your way to the ancient baptismal font beside the entrance at the right-hand nave. It was at this site that St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy, and many of his original disciples, including St. Clare, were baptized.

Go to the church museum to see a range of detached frescoes from the 12th and 13th centuries, various paintings and a small architectural collection. From here you can enter the crypt, which houses the remains of a church built on this site in the 11th century alongside a 3rd-century Roman sarcophagus holding Rufinus’ relics.

The Cathedral of San Rufino is open daily, though times vary according to the season and it is often closed during lunch hours. Admission to the main cathedral is free but there is a fee to enter the cathedral museum and crypt.

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Relais La Corte Di Bettona
Borgobrufa Spa Resort Adults Only
Hotel Perugia Plaza

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Best Lodging Options Near Cathedral of San Rufino

Giotto Hotel & Spa

Giotto Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Via Fontebella 41, Assisi, PG
Giotto Hotel & Spa
Hotel Fontebella

Hotel Fontebella

4 out of 5
25 Via Fontebella, Assisi, PG
Hotel Fontebella
Il Palazzo

Il Palazzo

3 out of 5
Via San Francesco 8, Assisi, PG
Il Palazzo
BV Grand Hotel Assisi

BV Grand Hotel Assisi

4 out of 5
Via Giovanni Renzi No 2, Assisi, PG
BV Grand Hotel Assisi
Asisium Boutique Hotel

Asisium Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 35, Assisi, PG
Asisium Boutique Hotel
Hotel Il Duomo

Hotel Il Duomo

3 out of 5
Via Porta Perlici 13, Assisi, PG
Hotel Il Duomo
TH Assisi - Hotel Cenacolo

TH Assisi - Hotel Cenacolo

4 out of 5
Viale Patrono d'Italia 70, Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi, PG
TH Assisi - Hotel Cenacolo
Hotel Pax

Hotel Pax

3 out of 5
Via S. Antonio, 14, Assisi, PG
Hotel Pax
Hotel Porta Nuova

Hotel Porta Nuova

3 out of 5
Viale Umberto I, 21, Assisi, PG
Hotel Porta Nuova
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cathedral of San Rufino

While visiting the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi, be sure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with activities like walking and running. The area offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls or energizing jogs. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture of the cathedral while exploring the charming streets nearby.

Food and drinks

For a sweet treat, visit the Perugina Chocolate Factory, located 14 miles from the Cathedral of San Rufino. For a romantic winery experience, Tenuta Castelbuono is 8 miles away. If you’re looking for a restaurant with a city vibe, Via Federico da Montefeltro is 20 miles from the cathedral.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Cathedral of San Rufino, check out Mercatino dell'Usato di Spello, located 7 miles away, offering unique secondhand finds. If you're up for a drive, visit Antica Fornace Deruta and Sambuco Ceramics Store, both about 12 miles away, for beautiful ceramics.

Recreation

At the Park of Mount Subasio, enjoy tranquil nature walks and meditation amidst lush landscapes, only 3 miles from the Cathedral of San Rufino. For a more energetic experience, visit Renato Curi Stadium, 13 miles away, for local sports events and community vibes.

Adventure

For thrill-seekers near Cathedral of San Rufino, Magione Racetrack and Autodromo dell'Umbria offer exhilarating motor racing experiences, both located 20 miles away. These venues boast an adventurous atmosphere, making them perfect for sports enthusiasts looking to feel the adrenaline rush of high-speed racing.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Assisi's nightlife by catching a performance at the Lyric Theater, just 2 miles away, or enjoy a romantic evening at Teatro Lyrick Assisi and Teatro Stabile dell'Umbria, both located 12 miles from the Cathedral of San Rufino. Culture and entertainment await!

Find the best attractions near Cathedral of San Rufino

When visiting the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi, you'll find a rich array of attractions, including historic churches, charming piazzas, and beautiful palaces. This area is perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant city atmosphere. Explore the captivating sites that highlight the region's history and artistry, making your trip to this stunning destination truly memorable.

  • Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels: Located just 2 miles from the Cathedral, this stunning basilica is a serene sanctuary that captures the essence of Umbria's spiritual heritage. Its grand architecture and peaceful surroundings create a reflective atmosphere for visitors.
  • Piazza del Comune: Just a short walk (0.1 mile) from the Cathedral, this vibrant square is the heart of Assisi. Surrounded by historic buildings, it's a great spot to experience local culture, enjoy a coffee, or simply people-watch in this lively setting.
  • Via San Francesco: A charming street 0.5 miles away, Via San Francesco is lined with shops and cafes. Strolling down this picturesque lane gives you a taste of the local lifestyle and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cathedral of San Rufino

When visiting the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like Basilica San Francesco di Assisi and Park of Mount Subasio. For budget accommodation, consider visiting in January, February, or November when prices drop. Booking about a month in advance usually yields the best rates, or check last-minute deals on Expedia for savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future stays, making your trip more affordable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cathedral of San Rufino are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Cathedral of San Rufino about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool empowers you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the priciest, allowing you to find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your search by hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Cathedral of San Rufino with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.