Rocca Maggiore
Rocca Maggiore
4.5
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Dating back to the 12th century, this grand castle fortress dominates the region since it is perched atop a walled hilltop overlooking the city of Assisi and surrounding countryside.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
1,095 reviews
Excellent
541
Very good
396
Average
117
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30
Terrible
11
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RLR53
Pisa, Italy5,865 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
There are several options. Wait for the bus which runs every 20 minutes and costs 14 euros with entrance fees to other local attractions, or park at the Matteotti car park and take 15 minutes of stairs and steep climbs, go up by car which is only for a select few. The fortress is not much and even there there are many stairs to climb; there is no exhibition panel that explains anything; there are no bathrooms. Luckily there is a breathtaking view of the three main churches
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albia-Newton
Evanton, UK4,727 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Great views from the castle
Some interesting history to the building
Many of the spacious rooms in the castle have been used for installation art - some is good some less so
The walk along the wall tunnel to the watchtower is the highlight
Some interesting history to the building
Many of the spacious rooms in the castle have been used for installation art - some is good some less so
The walk along the wall tunnel to the watchtower is the highlight
Written July 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielandJocelyn
Stony Point, NY124 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Entry fee is not high, but (for us) not worth it. There are a handful of signs with the site's history, but not as much as (we) expected. There are no relics from its past, only modern pieces of art from local artists. The views from inside the fort itself are no better than those from outside. Stairways in the fort are steep and not easy to use for children and those with mobility issues.
Written April 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
taccobacco
Taranto, Italy327 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Rock of military origin from which you can see the whole valley, beautiful view... inside there is a bar with very high prices (a piece of text cake with raw ham 6 euros!), architectural barriers to go-go and an art exhibition of little interest (sometimes disturbing). The most interesting part (not recommended for claustrophobics) is the path to cross to reach the Watchtower. Tunnel narrow and long but certainly adrenaline for those who do.
Automatically translated
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mauroagricolo
21 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
I visited the Rocca Maggiore on May 1st. The structure is sparse without frescoes, decorations and furnishings. The lack of explanatory signs is noted. The route is poorly signposted and even less explained. The staff is quite "distracted" perhaps due to Labor Day!!! The adult ticket price of 8 euros is exaggerated. Part of the facility is also closed!!
On the other hand, the view from the terrace and the tower is truly beautiful. The beautiful covered walkway that leads from the fortress to the watchtower is poorly signposted and devoid of any explanation. Not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia.
On the other hand, the view from the terrace and the tower is truly beautiful. The beautiful covered walkway that leads from the fortress to the watchtower is poorly signposted and devoid of any explanation. Not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia.
Written May 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara L
Prato, Italy403 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I love visiting fortresses and castles and once in Assisi I couldn't help but visit this fortress with its majestic walls.
Located on the highest point of the city and enjoying a sensational 360 degree panorama.
Unfortunately it is the interior that leaves something to be desired, but not in terms of structure because the rooms are many and spacious. Even more so because they are totally empty and there is no explanatory note at the entrance to each room as to what they were in the past.
Furthermore, at the entrance I asked for a leaflet or brochure on the fortress and they didn't have any.
The entrance fee, however, is not that insignificant...
This jewel, without a doubt, could be managed in a better way😉
Located on the highest point of the city and enjoying a sensational 360 degree panorama.
Unfortunately it is the interior that leaves something to be desired, but not in terms of structure because the rooms are many and spacious. Even more so because they are totally empty and there is no explanatory note at the entrance to each room as to what they were in the past.
Furthermore, at the entrance I asked for a leaflet or brochure on the fortress and they didn't have any.
The entrance fee, however, is not that insignificant...
This jewel, without a doubt, could be managed in a better way😉
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dalocci
Monserrato, Italy55 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Quite a hike uphill to get there but worth it. 6 euro ticket which gives access to the entire fortress, large and largely in excellent condition. Splendid panorama. Outside there is a very comfortable kiosk bar
Written February 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thrust v
Prague, Hlavni Mesto Praha, Czech Republic85 contributions
Apr 2017
So you finally made it to the top of the hill above the Assisi. You made it to the fortress that haunted you for a long time, that tower that can be visible from the whole city that hypnotized you inviting you to see the view from the top. You made it, now it stands before you in all its glory. It is beautiful, you can't complain. You go inside and pay the 8€ ticket excited that you will see the fortress from the inside and experience the view that the city guard could enjoy while standing watch for the enemy army. You finally get inside, scale the tight helix stairs to find out... That you can't go to the top. And because you are certainly not interested in views, but in some film props and photos from filming of some historical film, we have put an iron grid with thick bars and tiny square eyes on the windows.
Factually, there is only one tiny room at the top of the rocca. Inside, there are some photos from some film, some film props. The stairs to its roof are off limits, the walls are off limits and the western tower with the best view of Assisi is off limits as well. All in all, it is a huge ripoff and a tourist trap. Don't pay to enter, take a look at it from the outside. There are literally better views of the city from the place outside of the rocca.
Factually, there is only one tiny room at the top of the rocca. Inside, there are some photos from some film, some film props. The stairs to its roof are off limits, the walls are off limits and the western tower with the best view of Assisi is off limits as well. All in all, it is a huge ripoff and a tourist trap. Don't pay to enter, take a look at it from the outside. There are literally better views of the city from the place outside of the rocca.
Written May 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fortino
Laguna Beach, CA150 contributions
Nov 2010 • Friends
If you are traveling to Umbria, you must see Assisi, and if you are in Assisi, you must see the Basilico di San Francesco as well as Rocca Maggiore. Rocca Maggiore is a beautiful medieval castle at the top of Assisi from which you can overlook the valley of Umbria below. All of Assisi is enchanting. I love walking the streets that are oftened stepped because Assisi resides on a hill.
When you first arrive to Assisi, you are in Santa Maria Degli Angeli station and in order to get to the town of Assisi which is on top of the hill, you must take Bus C to get there. I think the bus travels up to the town about every 30 minutes and is located right in front of the station. It is really easy to find. Ride the bus all the way to the top of the hill and get off at the last stop and start your trip to Rocca Maggiore from there. You can walk following the signs from there. The walk is uphill, but the streets are easy to walk on and the signs and the view of Rocca Maggiore make it easy to find. Along the way you will find what I call "the gum fence" I'm not sure if there is an official name for it, but the old wire fence is now covered in travelers gum. I thought it was really great & fascinating that someone stuck their gum on and then someone else & so on until the fence is crammed with gum for many feet. My cousin thought it was gross. I was not chewing gum, therefore, could not add to the fence.
When you arrive at Rocca Maggiore, you are at the top of the hill of this hill town. You can see all around the city and the valley fields below. I felt it was beautiful and serene. It was quite peaceful to just sit and look. It took my breath away the first time I saw it so I went back for a second time on this past trip to Italy.
For history buff's, Rocca Maggiore was built in 1367 by a Cardinal and is covered in history with it's many tenants throughout the ages. Much of the Castle is in tact and you can even walk inside the walls where the soldiers would walk to get up onto the wall to protect the castle. You can see where the slept & hid waiting for raids by their enemies.
Rocca Maggiore was one of my favorite spots to see in Assisi, but the town of Assisi itself has been one of my favorite all time destinations. I absolutely love it. It is steeped in history as it is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan monks. Their are of course many Basiliche & churches because of this and any given time during the year you will see many nuns &/or priests on pilgramage to the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi.
The Basilica is not, however, his original church, he built a small church at the foot of the hill in Santa Maria Degli Angeli and the larger Basilica di Santa Maria Degli Angeli was actually built around it. So St. Francis's little church sits inside the middle of this huge Basilica. It is beautiful and quite small. It has the capacity to fit 20 people or less in it. It is definitely worth seeing before you board bus C to the top, or after you return before taking your train out.
I definitely think Assisi is a destination to stay in. It is peaceful and it is stunningly beautiful. The buildings are all the same color. They're made from the same stone and nobody paints their homes. It is a beautiful gray white color that is just calming and beautiful to see.
I stayed a few days in a hotel the 2nd time I visited and loved eating there and meeting locals and talking with them. I now have a friend in Foligno because I stayed there and talked with people.
When you first arrive to Assisi, you are in Santa Maria Degli Angeli station and in order to get to the town of Assisi which is on top of the hill, you must take Bus C to get there. I think the bus travels up to the town about every 30 minutes and is located right in front of the station. It is really easy to find. Ride the bus all the way to the top of the hill and get off at the last stop and start your trip to Rocca Maggiore from there. You can walk following the signs from there. The walk is uphill, but the streets are easy to walk on and the signs and the view of Rocca Maggiore make it easy to find. Along the way you will find what I call "the gum fence" I'm not sure if there is an official name for it, but the old wire fence is now covered in travelers gum. I thought it was really great & fascinating that someone stuck their gum on and then someone else & so on until the fence is crammed with gum for many feet. My cousin thought it was gross. I was not chewing gum, therefore, could not add to the fence.
When you arrive at Rocca Maggiore, you are at the top of the hill of this hill town. You can see all around the city and the valley fields below. I felt it was beautiful and serene. It was quite peaceful to just sit and look. It took my breath away the first time I saw it so I went back for a second time on this past trip to Italy.
For history buff's, Rocca Maggiore was built in 1367 by a Cardinal and is covered in history with it's many tenants throughout the ages. Much of the Castle is in tact and you can even walk inside the walls where the soldiers would walk to get up onto the wall to protect the castle. You can see where the slept & hid waiting for raids by their enemies.
Rocca Maggiore was one of my favorite spots to see in Assisi, but the town of Assisi itself has been one of my favorite all time destinations. I absolutely love it. It is steeped in history as it is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan monks. Their are of course many Basiliche & churches because of this and any given time during the year you will see many nuns &/or priests on pilgramage to the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi.
The Basilica is not, however, his original church, he built a small church at the foot of the hill in Santa Maria Degli Angeli and the larger Basilica di Santa Maria Degli Angeli was actually built around it. So St. Francis's little church sits inside the middle of this huge Basilica. It is beautiful and quite small. It has the capacity to fit 20 people or less in it. It is definitely worth seeing before you board bus C to the top, or after you return before taking your train out.
I definitely think Assisi is a destination to stay in. It is peaceful and it is stunningly beautiful. The buildings are all the same color. They're made from the same stone and nobody paints their homes. It is a beautiful gray white color that is just calming and beautiful to see.
I stayed a few days in a hotel the 2nd time I visited and loved eating there and meeting locals and talking with them. I now have a friend in Foligno because I stayed there and talked with people.
Written October 8, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lauren_wgnr
Hillsboro, OR26 contributions
Mar 2010
We were only in Assisi for an hour until we had to leave and after we went to the upper church we had 30 minutes for lunch and shopping before we had to meet for the buses at the lower church. A few of us really wanted to go see the castle but were told it would take 20 minutes alone just to hike up to it but we went for it anyways, running the whole way except to stop quickly to take gorgeous pictures of the landscapes. You can see everything and its all green and beautiful! We make it to the castle, entrance was cheap, and have to hurry through everything to make sure we see it all. Theres a cool dark tunnel you take to get to one of the viewing posts and then a spiral staircase to get to a different one. Its a little frightening because you realize you can easily slip and fall and die but the view is one you'll never forget. We had to sprint downhill to make it on time but it was definitely worth it. If I ever go to Italy again this is a must stop place..the town is quiet and beautiful, there are nearby wineries and ceramic shops, you'll love it. The only thing is I wish we couldve known this history on the castle..maybe an information post or pamphlet?
Written January 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
come si raggiunge dal parcheggio Matteotti?
Written August 30, 2018
Imbocca semplicemente Via della Rocca dal parcheggio... sempre dritto. Impossibile non vederla. Ciao buona visita
Written September 19, 2018
Possiamo accedere alla Rocca Maggiore e visitarla con il nostro cane (cucciolo di taglia medio-piccola)?
Written August 7, 2018
Does anyone know if there is a place to drop off my in-laws near the castle entrance to reduce the amount of up hill walking they would have to do? I understand there is a parking lot a few hundred meters away, but would like to get them closer.
Written May 2, 2018
Yes! Cars can be taken all the way up.
Written July 21, 2018
Un numero di telefono giusto esiste per contattare la Rocca? E quali sono gli orario e i giorni di visita?
Written March 18, 2017
Questo purtroppo non te lo so dire. Comunque se senti il comune, avrà informazioni da darti
Written March 19, 2017
Ma la Rocca Minore come si raggiunge?
Written August 13, 2016
Da piazza Matteotti ( parcheggio) devi girare per la salita a destra, dopo l'arco te la trovi subito a sinistra
Written August 15, 2016
SergeyShishov
Moscow, Russia
Добрый день, Ирина.
Мы тоже собираемся посетить Италию в конце сентября и посетить Rocca Magiore.
Скажите пожалуйста:
сколько времени нужно запланировать для посещения этого места?
Сколько стоит вход в музей?
Музей работает с 9 до 17.00 (например в четверг)?
Written August 30, 2015
Scusami....ho fatto un errore, nel mese di Settembre è aperta dalle 10 alle 18,15!!!!
Written September 10, 2015
Questi sono gli orari di apertura della Rocca Maggiore di Assisi:
Da novembre a febbraio dalle 10 alle 15.45;
marzo dalle 10 alle 16,45;
aprile, maggio, settembre e ottobre dalle 10 alle 18,15;
giugno, luglio e agosto dalle 10 alle 19,15.
E' aperta tutto l'anno e tutti i giorni, tranne il 25 dicembre ed il 1 gennaio.
Inoltre, in caso di forte maltempo, potrebbe chiudere prima degli orari indicati.
Written September 10, 2015
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