Solemnity of Saint Rufinus - Patron of Assisi
The feast of the patron saint of Assisi in his Cathedral
About Solemnity of Saint Rufinus
Saint Rufinus, Patron of Assisi
Contrary to popular belief, the patron saint of the city of Assisi (province of Perugia) is Saint Rufinus, not Saint Francis. First bishop and martyr, Rufinus evangelized Assisi in the 3rd century before being executed by Roman order – drowned in the Chiascio river with a stone around his neck. His body was later transferred to Assisi and buried in the place where the Cathedral of Saint Rufinus now stands.
The Solemnity of August 12th
The patron saint's feast is celebrated on August 12th: the date was locally moved from the 11th to the 12th to avoid overlapping with the solemnity of Saint Clare. The celebrations begin on the evening of the 11th with a prayer vigil, procession, and blessing of the city, and continue on the 12th with Holy Masses and the solemn concelebration in the Cathedral. In the evening, the traditional concert in honor of the patron saint by the musical chapel of Saint Rufinus.
A Feast of Civic Identity
The solemnity of Saint Rufinus is an event deeply felt by the community of Assisi, which rallies around the figure of its first evangelizer. The Romanesque Cathedral, where Saint Francis and Saint Clare were baptized, is the heart of the feast.
Solemnity of Saint Rufinus — edition 2026
Solemnity of Saint Rufinus 2026
For 2026, Assisi renews the celebration of its patron saint Saint Rufinus. The celebrations in the Cathedral begin on the evening of August 11th with a prayer vigil, procession, and blessing of the city; on August 12th, Holy Masses and the solemn concelebration will be held, followed in the evening by the concert in honor of the patron saint by the musical chapel of Saint Rufinus.
The 2026 edition is part of the Franciscan Centennial year, which gives particular prominence to the celebrations.
Programme Solemnity of Saint Rufinus 2026
Tuesday, August 11th — Vigil
- Evening — Prayer vigil, procession, and blessing of the city in the Cathedral, presided over by the bishop
Wednesday, August 12th — Solemnity of Saint Rufinus
- Morning Holy Mass
- Solemn concelebration presided over by the bishop
- Afternoon Holy Mass
- Evening — Concert in honor of the patron saint by the musical chapel of Saint Rufinus, in the Cathedral
Detailed program and times on the website of the Diocese of Assisi closer to the feast.
Highlights Solemnity of Saint Rufinus 2026
Prices Solemnity of Saint Rufinus 2026
Practical information — Solemnity of Saint Rufinus
How to get there
The Cathedral of Saint Rufinus is located in the historic center of Assisi, reachable on foot. By train: Santa Maria degli Angeli station with shuttle bus. By car: parking lots on the edge of the historic center.
When
The solemnity is celebrated on August 12th, with the vigil and procession on the evening of the 11th.
Admission
Free admission to celebrations. Program on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.
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Where does it take place — Solemnity of Saint Rufinus
Cattedrale di San Rufino, Assisi
Cattedrale di San Rufino, Piazza San Rufino, 06081 Assisi