How visiting the remains of ‘God’s Influencer’, 15, has become biggest tourist draw in Italy’s tiny pilgrimage town

Few teenage boys in tracksuits have the same qualifications as British-born Italian computer programmer Carlo Acutis.

Called the ‘first saint of the millennial generation’ or the ‘patron saint of the Internet’, St Carlo, as he is now called, was born an ordinary child; but his interest in the Catholic faith quickly led him into a life of religious devotion.

Sadly, that life was cut painfully short when Carlo died of leukemia in 2006, aged just 15.

However, his contribution to the religious community by using digital communication to teach the word of Catholicism was deemed so valuable that he was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020.

His body, still wearing the casual clothes of a young boy, was buried in the town of Assisi in Italy’s Umbria region, which has religious significance as the home of the country’s patron saint, St. Francis.

That’s exactly why I found myself in this small town, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000 and is often referred to as the ‘little sister of Tuscany’.

Naturally, the town is a popular destination among pilgrims and Catholics; You can visit the tombs of both St Francis and St Carlo.

But from the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was a town for everyone, not just those embarking on a religious journey.

I am in one of the holiest places in the world; I am definitely in one of the most religiously significant places in Italy.

Pilgrims: Visitors pay homage to first millennium saint

Assisi is the home of St. Francis, the country’s patron saint, and ranks among destinations of sacred significance such as Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem.

The sense of religious admiration here is clearly felt. People are respectful: Everyone follows the ‘no photos’ rules, and silence is a sign of respect as we approach Italy’s most famous cross.

The story of Assisi dates back to the 12th century, when 24-year-old Francis first heard the words of Jesus Christ spoken to him and subsequently dedicated his life to God and the religious order.

This year the UNESCO town is hosting a year-long program to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis, the town’s most revered figure and one of Europe’s most influential spiritual leaders. It is full of tourists in May and summer, but our guide says that it is even busier this year thanks to the festivities. If you plan to visit during half term you may expect queues.

And the result is absolutely humming. You’d think we were in the capital of Italy when there were queues around us; It only takes 40 minutes to get into the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and we don’t even have time to visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where St. Carlo is buried.

Discouraged, we continue on – but fortunately, despite Assisi’s intense spiritual significance, that’s not the only thing to enjoy here.

Awe-inspiring Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi attracts religious visitors

As you wander the streets, you are completely surrounded by greyish-pink stone walls. It’s somewhere between a castle and a classic Italian cobblestone village, with churches everywhere you look; Our guide tells us that there are at least 50 churches here.

Everywhere you look, including our hotel, you see a combination of historical, religious heritage and modern appeal.

When we leave Assisi and head towards Borgo Antichi Orti Assisi, where we stay, the religious crowds melt away.

It is located right at the foot of the Basilica of St. Francis. From the moment my partner and I arrived we were in the heart of the countryside, which you can admire from the hilltop town.

This restored retreat has deep historical roots dating back to 1444, when it was founded as a small Benedictine monastery. It’s easy to see why this is a place of retreat and refuge; Despite its proximity to Assisi, it is very quiet.

Our suite, one of 12, is ideally located to overlook the countryside. I’ve never been to Umbria before, but I must admit it reminds me a lot of Tuscany, which I was told to keep to myself. That’s where we are, locals tell me. Umbria.

Views: Travel writer Erin spent a long weekend in Assisi staying at the Borgo Antichi Orti Assisi

Fascinating: The hotel’s panoramic junior suite overlooks the Umbrian countryside.

Rustic wooden beams on the ceiling and authentic parquet floors adorn the interiors. Even though we were just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Assisi, you wouldn’t really know it.

The Umbrian countryside is full of pure greenery, like Tuscany (sorry!). Expansive landscapes, vineyards, olive trees and winding roads bring the Italian charm that attracts many tourists to the country.

Tuscany is magnificent, but it must be admitted that the silence here is unique; We go for a walk along a stream and don’t see a single soul.

After a walk through the hotel’s olive trees (olive oil is a regional specialty here), we set off. SAIO for the wine tasting tour.

We taste five SAIO Assisi wines; our favorite is undoubtedly the surprisingly white colderba. It’s surprising because neither of us really like white wine.

Our tasting is accompanied by Bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese with SAIO grape jam and striking caciotta cheese with black truffle.

A handmade torta al testo, a lightly salted Umbrian flatbread, soaks up all the extra olive oil.

You had me on merlot: wine tasting at SAIO Assisi includes drinks as well as snacks

Banquet: The menu includes cheeses accompanied with grape jam, umbrian bread and olive oil

Wine tasting is usually an expensive affair – but not so here.

Tastings start from €25 (£21.70) – an absolute steal considering you’ll get five wines and a selection of snacks.

We return to the hotel from our vineyard in the afternoon and enjoy an hour in the sun before having dinner at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Re Tartu. However, unlike many hotel restaurants, this one is an attraction in itself; is completely full. And not just by hotel guests.

You ate me with truffles: The truffle-themed restaurant features prominent flavors such as the lamb seen in the picture.

Truffles are often considered the symbol of luxury and are served here in generous portions. I prefer the starter dish of veal generously topped with grated truffle and anchovy cream with pieces of bread on the side. For dessert, creme brulee garnished with fresh fruit and olive oil is on the cards. Unexpected but delicious.

But just as my unexpected dessert was a real treat, so was the trip to Assisi.

Don’t be fooled by the town’s extremely important religious past.

While it’s certainly a bucket list item for many, it’s a truly worthy Italian holiday for anyone who enjoys good wine, even better olive oil, and the countryside as far as the eye can see.

It is also easy to reach. Ryanair has direct flights from London Stansted to Perugia, the gateway to Umbria, and you can reach the city from the airport in just 20 minutes by taxi.

Replace famous sites and popular cities in Tuscany with Assisi; You can enjoy some olive oil in your dessert or shaved truffles with your dinner.