San Damiano
San Damiano features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Assisi & Umbria. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Assisi & Umbria Assisi & Umbria guide
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About San Damiano
San Damiano, the small church among olive trees below Assisi where, by tradition, the crucifix spoke to St Francis, and where St Clare lived with her sisters for more than forty years.
Tradition says that in 1205 Francis heard the crucifix here ask him to repair the Church. Clare and her sisters lived in the convent from about 1212, and she died here in 1253. The original crucifix is now in the Basilica of St Clare; a copy hangs here.
Entry is free, and an offering is welcome. The church is for silent prayer outside services. The convent can be visited, with shorter hours in winter. It is a pleasant walk of about 20 minutes down from the town.
Did you know? According to his first biographer, St Francis heard the crucifix of San Damiano say three times: go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.
How long is a visit to San Damiano?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for San Damiano. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is San Damiano worth your time?
San Damiano is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Assisi & Umbria, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Assisi & Umbria
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about San Damiano and read more:
Day 2 of the Assisi & Umbria in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of San Damiano
Preview the Assisi & Umbria tour free in the Gingerguide app.