Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi.

Perched on a hillside at the edge of town, this striking multi-level basilica is both a major pilgrimage site and a landmark of Western art history. Built shortly after Saint Francis's death in 1226, the complex is actually two stacked churches. The lower level is a dim, Romanesque space designed for quiet contemplation around the saint's crypt. Above it, the soaring, light-filled Gothic upper church features a dramatic shift in architecture. The real draw is the peerless collection of 13th-century frescoes by masters like Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini. These vibrant walls capture a pivotal moment in art, charting the shift from stiff Byzantine figures to naturalistic Italian narrative painting. It remains a living religious sanctuary with commanding valley views.