Just outside the centre of Assisi, 1.5 km on foot from Piazza del Comune, among the olive trees, the Sanctuary of San Damiano holds two of the most important stories in Franciscan history: Francis's conversion and Clare's life.
At a glance
- What it is
- Franciscan sanctuary, UNESCO World Heritage since 2000
- The crucifix
- The original is in the Basilica of Santa Chiara
- On foot from the centre
- 1.5 km · about 21 min downhill
- From Agriturismo La Mora
- 7.4 km · about 11 min by car
A quiet stay to visit San Damiano and Assisi? Check availability for your dates.
'Go, repair my house'
According to tradition, it was here that the painted crucifix now kept in the Basilica of Santa Chiara spoke to Francis: 'Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.' Francis took the call literally and restored the little church, then in ruins, with his own hands. A copy of the crucifix now hangs over San Damiano's main altar.
Clare's monastery
San Damiano is also where Clare of Assisi lived for 42 years and where she died. Since 2000, together with Assisi's other Franciscan sites, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the Basilica of San Francesco, it remains a quiet, intimate place: probably the most authentic stop for anyone seeking a moment of reflection away from the crowds in the centre.
How to get there
- On foot from Piazza del Comune
- 1.5 km · about 21 min downhill
- By car from La Mora
- 7.4 km · about 11 min
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Since 2000, with the other Franciscan sites
- Pair with
- The Basilica of Santa Chiara, home of the original crucifix
Stay 7.4 km from the Sanctuary of San Damiano
About 11 minutes by car (Google Maps). San Damiano and the centre of Assisi close at hand, and the quiet of the countryside at night.
From Agriturismo La Mora
From La Mora, San Damiano is 7.4 km away, about 11 minutes by car according to Google Maps. It also pairs well with a day in the historic centre: from Piazza del Comune it's 1.5 km on foot along Via San Damiano, about 21 minutes downhill. The walk back uphill is more demanding, worth keeping in mind with small children.
Frequently asked questions
Where is San Damiano in Assisi?
Just outside the historic centre, below the walls: from Piazza del Comune it's 1.5 km on foot along Via San Damiano, about 21 minutes downhill according to Google Maps.
What happened at San Damiano Sanctuary?
According to tradition, the crucifix spoke to Francis here, asking him to repair his house. Saint Clare also lived at San Damiano for 42 years and died there.
Where is the San Damiano cross today?
The original is kept in the Basilica of Santa Chiara, in the centre of Assisi; a copy hangs over San Damiano's main altar.
Is San Damiano a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, since 2000, together with Assisi's other Franciscan sites.
How do you get to San Damiano from Agriturismo La Mora?
By car it's 7.4 km, about 11 minutes according to Google Maps.
Back to La Mora: from May to September, a swim in the pool.
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