Saint Francis 2026 in Umbria: all events for the 800th Anniversary

2026 will be an extraordinary year in Umbria, entirely dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death (1226–2026).
Assisi and the main Franciscan sites across Umbria will host a rich programme of religious, cultural, artistic and tourism-related events, attracting pilgrims, visitors and travellers from all over the world.

From spiritual celebrations to major art exhibitions, as well as festivals, sporting events and international gatherings, Umbria will take centre stage on the cultural and religious scene in 2026.

Public display of the relics of Saint Francis in Assisi (February–March 2026)

One of the most significant events of Saint Francis 2026 will be the public display of the mortal remains of the Saint, scheduled from 22 February to 22 March 2026 at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.

This rare and deeply meaningful occasion will make Assisi one of Italy’s most important religious pilgrimage destinations in 2026.

“Giotto and Saint Francis” Exhibition in Perugia

From 14 March to 14 June 2026, the National Gallery of Umbria in Perugia will host the exhibition:
“Giotto and Saint Francis: A Revolution in 14th-Century Umbria”

The exhibition explores the profound relationship between Saint Francis, Giotto and medieval art, highlighting how the Saint’s figure deeply influenced the artistic and cultural development of Umbria during the 14th century.

Franciscan events across Umbria

Between October 2025 and June 2026, the Umbria Region promotes the project:

“The Canticle and Creation: Saint Francis between Art, Nature and Spirituality”
The programme includes:
- guided Franciscan itineraries
- spiritual and nature walks
- conferences and cultural meetings
- educational workshops
- special openings of historical sites

A unique opportunity to discover the places of Saint Francis in Umbria through slow, mindful and authentic travel.

Festival of the Middle Ages 2026: The Time of Francis (Gubbio)

From 23 to 27 September 2026, Gubbio will host a special edition of the Festival of the Middle Ages, entitled “The Time of Francis”.

The festival will be entirely dedicated to the historical and cultural context of the Franciscan Middle Ages, featuring:

historical re-enactments
talks with historians and scholars
educational events and live performances

World Tourism Event – Assisi 2026

On 24 and 25 September 2026, Assisi will host the World Tourism Event, the international meeting dedicated to sustainable tourism.

The choice of Assisi reinforces the message of harmony between humanity, nature and spirituality — core values of Saint Francis’ thought and more relevant than ever today.

San Francesco Marathon 2026

On 22 November 2026, Assisi will host the San Francesco Marathon, one of the sporting events included in the official celebration programme.
The event includes:
- marathon
- intermediate distances
- non-competitive runs

An event that brings together sport, wellbeing and spirituality in the heart of Franciscan Umbria.

4 October: Saint Francis National Holiday

4 October, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, has been reinstated as a national holiday.
In 2026 it will fall on a Sunday, yet it remains one of the most symbolic and meaningful moments of the entire commemorative year.

Why visit Umbria in 2026

2026 will be the perfect year to visit Umbria, thanks to an exceptional calendar of:

events dedicated to Saint Francis
international-level art exhibitions
cultural festivals
spiritual initiatives
sustainable tourism experiences

Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio and the other Franciscan sites of Umbria will offer a complete experience combining history, faith, culture and nature.

Montefranco awaits you for a stay combining adventure, relaxation, culture and authentic flavours.