Solennità di San Rufino - Patrono di Assisi
The feast of the patron saint of Assisi in his Cathedral
About Solennità di San Rufino
Saint Rufino, patron saint of Assisi
Contrary to popular belief, the patron saint of the city of Assisi (province of Perugia) is Saint Rufino, not Saint Francis. The first bishop and martyr, Rufino 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 San Rufino stands today.
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 San Rufino.
A festival of civic identity
The solemnity of Saint Rufino 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 festival.
Solennità di San Rufino — edition 2026
Solemnity of Saint Rufino 2026
For 2026, Assisi renews the celebration of its patron saint Saint Rufino. 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 take place, followed in the evening by the concert in honor of the patron saint by the Musical Chapel of San Rufino.
The 2026 edition is part of the Franciscan Centenary year, which gives particular prominence to the celebrations.
Programme Solennità di San Rufino 2026
Tuesday, August 11 — Vigil
- Evening — Prayer vigil, procession, and blessing of the city in the Cathedral, presided over by the bishop
Wednesday, August 12 — Solemnity of Saint Rufino
- 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 San Rufino, in the Cathedral
Detailed program and times on the website of the Diocese of Assisi closer to the feast.
Highlights Solennità di San Rufino 2026
Prices Solennità di San Rufino 2026
Practical information — Solennità di San Rufino
How to get there
The Cathedral of San Rufino is located in the historic center of Assisi, reachable on foot. By train: Santa Maria degli Angeli station with a shuttle bus. By car: parking lots near the historic center.
When
The solemnity is celebrated on August 12th, with the vigil and procession on the evening of the 11th.
Admission
Free access to celebrations. Program on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.
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Where does it take place — Solennità di San Rufino
Cattedrale di San Rufino, Assisi
Cattedrale di San Rufino, Piazza San Rufino, 06081 Assisi