The Abbey of San Pietro in Assisi is one of the town’s oldest churches, rooted in the early Middle Ages. The site originally lay above an ancient Roman necropolis and was chosen by Benedictine monks toward the end of the 10th century. The first documented reference to the monastery dates to 1029, marking its long and continuous role in the religious life of Assisi.

Over the following centuries, the building was rebuilt and expanded. The current church was constructed on earlier foundations and reflects Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Its reconstruction was completed in the mid-13th century: Pope Innocent IV consecrated the new church in 1253, and the façade was finished in 1268.

Throughout its history, the abbey has been closely linked with different religious communities. Originally Benedictine, it later passed into the care of the Cistercian monks. In the late 16th century, the monks were expelled by Pope Gregory XIII and the church became a parish. It returned to monastic use in the early 17th century under the Cassinese Congregation of the Benedictine Order. Key To Umbria

Our History

The basilica’s architectural features include a three-aisled interior, a raised presbytery above a crypt, and Gothic tombs from the 14th century. The church’s stone interior was restored in the 20th century, preserving its medieval character and the archaeological traces of its early phases. Visit Assisi

Although not as widely known as Assisi’s Franciscan basilicas, San Pietro has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation that recognizes Assisi’s historic centre and its collection of religious buildings. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Today, the Abbey of San Pietro remains an active place of worship. Its calm atmosphere, Romanesque architecture, and long history make it a valued cultural site for visitors who are exploring the layers of Assisi’s past.

Saint Peter of Assisi

Saint Peter of Assisi was an early Christian martyr traditionally associated with the city of Assisi and venerated as one of its earliest local saints. Historical sources indicate that Peter lived during the late Roman or early post-Roman period, when Christianity was still establishing itself across central Italy. According to early tradition, he was persecuted for his Christian faith and later honoured by the local community as a martyr.

Early Veneration and Burial

Following his death, Peter was buried on a site outside the ancient city walls of Assisi. This burial place became a focus of early Christian devotion, and over time a place of worship developed above it. The continuity of veneration at this location led to the foundation of a church and later a monastery, marking the site as one of the oldest Christian centres in Assisi.

The Basilica of San Pietro was eventually constructed above this early burial site, preserving the association with Saint Peter of Assisi through the church’s dedication and crypt.

Legacy Today

Today, Saint Peter of Assisi is remembered primarily through the Basilica of San Pietro, where his name and burial tradition continue to define the identity of the church. His legacy is one of quiet historical continuity, representing the foundations of Christian Assisi before the city became an international pilgrimage destination.