Summer Day Trips by Train from Perugia: Explore Assisi, Spoleto, and Passignano sul Trasimeno
Summer is the most vibrant season in Perugia. With open-air concerts on the streets, food festivals, and mind-blowing sunsets from the portals of the medieval town, it’s hard to get used to such beauty. However, the region offers even more than meets the eye at first glance. Here, we’ve summarized three easy-to-reach day trip destinations that you won’t want to miss.
Assisi: City of Peace
Looking for fresh air and peace of mind? Assisi is your ideal destination. Just a 20-minute train ride from Perugia, this enchanting town, best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, seems suspended in medieval times.
The train station in Assisi is located in the nearby town of Santa Maria degli Angeli. From there, it’s a five-minute bus ride to the hill, or if you prefer, a half-hour walk along the so-called Mattonata Francescana, where locals jog and walk all year round. The Mattonata connects two main basilicas: the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which contains the Porziuncola Francescana, and the Basilica of Saint Francis.
The Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, welcomes you with its sublime frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, just to name two of the most prominent artists of the thirteenth century. This town is not only a spiritual center but also offers stunning views of the Umbrian plains. Spend your day wandering through cobblestone streets, exploring sacred sites, and enjoying gelato while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Assisi’s central piazza is dominated by a centuries-old Roman temple dedicated to the divine Minerva. The Roman poet Propertius, who lived during the 1st century AD, hailed from this area. Under many churches in the old town, ancient houses and temples have been found that date back to Roman Empire times.
The Rocca Maggiore, a castle atop the hill, is part of the medieval part of the town. Offering a strategic view that was historically crucial in wartime, the interior is still accessible, and the view from the top is simply iconic—perfect for a picnic. Remember, there are trains back to Perugia until 10 PM. (We recommend checking the timetables for trains and buses in advance.)
Spoleto: A Cultural Feast
Approximately 45 minutes from Perugia by train, Spoleto is a must-visit for lovers of art, history, and culture. This ancient city hosts the renowned Festival dei Due Mondi—an international festival dedicated to music, art, and dance.
The smart way to fully enjoy all that this enchanting city has to offer is to acquire a Spoleto Card: an all-access pass that grants entry to 7 locations, including museums, Roman buildings, and churches. It costs €10 for individuals under 25, and €12 for those over 26. Here’s a closer look at what the card offers:
Rocca Albornoziana: This imposing fortress, built in the 14th century, served as both a military garrison and a papal residence. Today, it functions as a museum with beautifully preserved rooms and artifacts that narrate the history of Spoleto’s military and political significance. The views from its ramparts are breathtaking, overlooking the lush Umbrian landscape.- Palazzo Collicola: Home to the Visual Arts Museum, this elegant baroque palace features contemporary art exhibitions alongside permanent collections of paintings and sculptures. The palace itself, with its grand architecture and ornate interiors, stands as a testament to Spoleto’s aristocratic past.
- La Casa Romana: This well-preserved Roman house, believed to have belonged to the mother of Emperor Vespasian, offers a glimpse into the domestic life of the Roman elite. The site features original mosaics, frescoes, and an ancient heating system.
- Museo Archeologico: Located near the Roman amphitheater, this museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological finds from Spoleto and the surrounding areas, spanning from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Highlights include Roman artifacts, medieval ceramics, and Bronze Age tools.
- Anfiteatro Romano: The Roman amphitheater, still used today for performances during the Festival dei Due Mondi, showcases Spoleto’s long-standing cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient seating areas, stage, and underground passages where gladiators once prepared for combat.
- Museo del Tessuto e del Costume: This collection, housed within the Rocca Albornoziana, displays a variety of textiles from Spoleto’s history, including ecclesiastical vestments, tapestries, and traditional costumes. The exhibition highlights the craftsmanship and artistic expression embedded in fabric and design.
- Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo: This small church stands in the area of the ancient Vaita Filittèria, the Byzantine quarter of medieval Spoleto. Consecrated in 1174, it became one of the city’s parish churches, connected to the Duomo.
Before you Be sure to walk across the towering Ponte delle Torri, a striking 14th-century aqueduct offering panoramic views.
Passignano sul Trasimeno: A Lakeside Retreat
A scenic train journey of about 40 minutes north from Perugia brings you to Passignano sul Trasimeno, located on the west shores of Lake Trasimeno. This charming lakeside town is perfect for water sports, hiking, and relaxing in nature.
Take a ferry to Isola Maggiore, the only inhabited island of the lake, to discover centuries-old fishing traditions and lace-making. The waterfront promenade in Passignano, lined with cafes and gelaterias, is perfect for a leisurely afternoon. You can also plan a little beach time at the nearby Sualzo Beach, where summer parties and DJ sets add to the vibe. This is also the perfect place to rent a kayak, paddle board and pedalò boat.
Umbria by train
Each of these destinations offers a unique slice of Italian culture and history, easily accessible by train from Perugia. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Italy’s spiritual roots in Assisi, immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of Spoleto, explore the quaint streets of Spello, or unwind by the tranquil Lake Trasimeno, these day trips are sure to enrich your summer study abroad experience. Happy travels!