I will be visiting Assisi for the Easter weekend. Will it be quite crowded? Beyond religious masses, are there any special events and/or festivals at that time? Will tours be available at the basilica? And will restaurants be open Easter Sunday ... reservations needed? Sorry for so many questions! I had the trip planned, flights and lodging arranged before I realized the holiday fell during my trip! Thanks for any information you can provide.

Here's the Easter info, but their tourism website is only in Italian. I'm sure your hotel would have more details.

http://www.visit-assisi.it/?events=settimana-santa

We were in Tuscany last Easter weekend, and the following 2 weeks. It was quite crowded on Easter weekend. Trains heading south were packed (to see the new Pope's Easter message). I think most restaurants were open. It was spring truffle season.

Stu Dudley

Ky and Stu - Thanks for the info! I have sent my hotel an email concerning possible dinner reservations. I'm concerned that either all restaurants will be closed, or fully booked with families for a holiday dinner out (not receptive to a solo diner!) But I'll be there during truffle season ... yay! Looks like the web site for Holy Week has events for Thursday and Friday. I arrive Saturday from Praiano, so will miss. Guess I knew there would be crowds, but hoping many head to Rome for Sunday, so I can explore the town and visit the churches.

It has been quite a while since I was in Assisi, but I was there on a Good Friday and it was VERY crowded - both the town and the church. There was a long, slow line to go by Francis' tomb in the crypt.

The frescoes in the church are amazing.

Have a great trip!

"hoping many head to Rome for Sunday"

Not a chance in hell. Those pilgrims have come to Assisi: why on earth would they interrupt their visit to go to Rome?

Assisi is crowded at Easter, and most churches are closed to visitors during services. On Easter Sunday, that means practically all morning: the Basilica of St Francis is closed all Sunday morning till around 1300.

Crowds thin out a bit at the cathedral and the Basilica of St Clare, which are a kilometre or so away from the main basilica, at the other end of Assisi's central street.

Kathy - thanks for the info on the crypt line. As I'm lodging close to the basilica, upon arrival on Saturday, I'll try for a visit when it may be less crowded (dinner time?).

Flanner - thanks for your advice - realize Assisi visitors will stay in town, I was referring to Umbrians in hoping they might do a day trip to Rome as Stu mentioned trains heading south were packed, lessening the impact on Assisi. I do plan on attending a mass, and then will be staying in town for the night, so hope to see more of it after 1300 when you project the basilicas will be open after masses. What restaurants do you recommend?

I had a great meal here:

http://www.ristorantemedioevoassisi.it/en/

Joan - thanks for the recommendation! My hotel has advised that they will make a reservation when the timing is closer to my visit ... I'll mention this place to them!