San Damiano is a small church and convent in the olive groves just below Assisi's centre. Saint Francis is said to have heard the voice from the crucifix here, asking him to repair the church, and Saint Clare later lived here. The convent is still an active place of worship, so the visit feels quiet and reflective. Informative boards along the route explain the story, and entry is free. Allow time for the downhill walk and the walk back up, and look at the ancient and modern art and the views over the valley.
Francis and the crucifix
In 1205, Francis went into the old church of San Damiano to pray before a crucifix. The story says the figure on the cross spoke to him three times, asking him to repair the church, which was in ruins.
Francis first took the request as a building task and rebuilt the little church with his own hands. Over time he came to understand that the call concerned the wider Church, not only the walls.
Saint Clare and the Poor Clares
Francis welcomed Clare to San Damiano, and the church became the home of the community of women who followed her. Clare lived out her spiritual life here until her death in 1253.
The convent is still home to the Poor Clares. Masses are said during special events and jubilees, when the church is in active use.
Inside the church and convent
The church is small and simple, with a facade shaped like a hut. On its own it has modest artistic value, so the story carries most of the weight of a visit.
Informative boards along the route explain the history, so you can follow the tour at your own pace. The peaceful cloister and the original refectory show something of early Franciscan daily life. The site also has a museum with ancient and modern art about the lives of the two saints, and the bookshop displays artwork linked to the history of San Damiano.
The original crucifix is no longer here. It is kept in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi.
Visiting the site
The walk from the town centre runs about a mile, through terraced olive groves, and most of the route goes downhill. Visitors who drive can use the parking area, which has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom.
Plan around closing time, since the monastery areas are shut punctually. Water is not always available on site, so bring your own.
Combining it with other sites
San Damiano is often paired with the Carceri Hermitage and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which holds the Porziuncola. The hermitage sits on the slopes of Monte Subasio, about 3.5 km from the centre, and makes a good starting point for walks in the woods.
Driving between the sites takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also walk down to Santa Maria degli Angeli and take a bus back up to town.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free. Donations are not mentioned in the material, so do not assume one is expected.
How do you get to San Damiano from Assisi?
It is about a mile from the town centre, and the walk runs through olive groves. Visitors who drive can use the parking area, which has a wheelchair accessible entrance.
Can you visit during a mass?
Masses are said during special events and jubilees, when the church is an active place of worship. Visitors should keep their voice low and dress modestly.
Where is the original crucifix now?
The original crucifix is kept in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, not at San Damiano.
Is there water and a toilet on site?
Water is not always available on site, so bring your own. The toilets are at the parking area.
