Audio Guide of the Eremo delle Carceri

The hermitage is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, in the morning from 9:00 to 13:00 and in the afternoon from 14:30 to 18:30 in summer or from 14:00 to 17:30 in winter. Admission is free, although it is advisable to check the exact opening hours on the official website of the Civic Museums of Assisi before your visit, as they may vary depending on the season.

No, admission to the Eremo delle Carceri is completely free for all visitors. This site is part of the Civic Museums of Assisi complex, but the hermitage itself has no entrance fee. If you visit other museums such as the Municipal Picture Gallery, you will need to buy a ticket.

For a complete visit of the hermitage and the Hermitage of Saint Catherine, you will need between 30 and 45 minutes. If you are interested in the history of Saint Francis and enjoy contemplating the landscape, you can easily spend an hour there. The site is small but very atmospheric.

The Eremo delle Carceri is a sacred place where Saint Francis of Assisi spent his early years of religious life, devoting himself to fasting and prayer. It is located in the ancient Roman prison area of the city, and Saint Catherine of Siena also lived here during her stay in Assisi. It is one of the most symbolic places in Franciscan life and offers a unique spiritual connection with the saint.

The best time is in spring or autumn, avoiding the intense summer heat and the crowds of pilgrims in May. Early in the morning, from 9:00 to 10:00, or late in the afternoon you will find fewer people and softer light for photos. From the hermitage cells there are spectacular views of Assisi, especially at sunset.

Unfortunately, the hermitage presents access difficulties for people with reduced mobility because of its location on sloping ground and the old architecture of the complex. The cells and the chapel are on several levels with steps. To learn about accessible options in Assisi, you can consult detailed information on the official Assisi tourism website.

From the hermitage you can easily walk to the Basilica of Saint Clare in 2 minutes, the majestic Cathedral of Saint Rufino in 10 minutes, and Piazza del Comune with its Fountain of the Lions. The tomb of Saint Francis and the monumental Basilica of Saint Francis are also relatively close, about 15 minutes downhill on foot. I recommend the interactive map of Assisi to plan your route.

Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles, as the access involves steep uphill stretches with old cobblestones. Bring water, especially in summer, as there is little shade along the way. Although admission is free, consider leaving a small donation in the chapel box for maintenance. Check the opening hours of the Civic Museums on their official website before going to avoid surprises.