Rocca Maggiore – an unmissable monument of Assisi

History and description

First documented between 1173 and 1174 thanks to the Archbishop of Mainz, the fortress was destroyed by the citizens and later rebuilt as a symbol of papal rule. Owned by the popes, it underwent numerous additions over the centuries, such as the polygonal tower and the bastion. Over time, it shifted from being a military stronghold to a residence, then a prison, and finally a monument open to the public and belonging to the municipality. Today, as at the time of its construction, the fortress has a trapezoidal layout with walls, a central keep, and a circular bastion. Inside, visitors can explore numerous rooms connected by a spiral staircase and a courtyard paved with 14th‑century bricks.

Curiosities

Classified as a “living monument” due to the presence of swifts and bats, the Rocca was also used as a filming location for Franco Zeffirelli’s movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon, offering the cinema its stunning views over Umbria.

Access

Open daily, with hours varying according to the season, the fortress can be visited at the cost of €8, with free entry and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

The site can be reached by car, parking at Piazza Matteotti, by eco‑bus, or on foot through the ancient city.

A monument and panoramic viewpoint of Assisi, the Rocca Maggiore is an unmissable destination for fully experiencing the city.

Photo credits: Agmonsnir (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0