Assisi, a medieval town in Italy’s Umbria region, birthplace of Saint Francis, is a hill town in central Italy’s Umbria region. It's known for the stunning Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, a multilevel church that was begun in 1228 and is a place of Christian pilgrimage. The frescoes by Giotto in the upper church are considered some of the most important masterpieces of the time.