Solennità di Santa Chiara
Edition 2026 Sacred music Pyrotechnic show Heritage

Solennità di Santa Chiara

Assisi celebrates the founder of the Poor Clares on August 11th

Assisi — Perugia (054)
Dates 10 Aug — 11 Aug 2026
Location Assisi (054)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Solennità di Santa Chiara

On August 11th, Assisi celebrates Saint Clare, born in 1191 and founder of the Order of the Poor Clares, the first female religious order in the Church. The celebrations take place in the Basilica of Saint Clare, where her remains rest, and at the Sanctuary of San Damiano, with vespers, vigil of the Transitus, solemn concelebrations, processions, and civil festivities. A solemnity that intertwines Franciscan spirituality and civic identity.

Saint Clare of Assisi

Born in Assisi in 1191, Saint Clare founded the Order of the Poor Clares, the first female religious order in the Church. Following the example of Saint Francis, she settled at the Sanctuary of San Damiano, where she lived until her death in 1253, dedicated to absolute poverty and a life of alms. She was canonized in 1255. Her remains now rest in the Basilica of Saint Clare, in the historic center of Assisi (province of Perugia).

The solemnity of August 11th

The liturgical feast is celebrated on August 11th, the anniversary of the Saint's death. The celebrations include the first vespers and the Mass of the vigil, the prayer vigil during the Transitus of Saint Clare at San Damiano, and on the day of the solemnity, numerous Masses in the Basilica, with the solemn concelebration mid-morning. Civil processions, illuminations, and fireworks accompany the religious rites.

A Franciscan celebration

The solemnity of Saint Clare, along with that of Saint Rufinus the following day, is one of the most intense moments of the Assisi summer. It celebrates one of the great figures of Franciscanism and draws faithful and visitors from all over Italy, in a city that preserves the very roots of the Franciscan movement.

Solennità di Santa Chiara — edition 2026

The Solemnity of Saint Clare is celebrated on August 11, 2026, in the Basilica dedicated to her, with first vespers and the vigil of the Transitus on the evening of the 10th at the Sanctuary of San Damiano. On the feast day, numerous Masses in the Basilica and the solemn concelebration mid-morning, accompanied by civil and religious processions. This edition is particularly significant for the Franciscan Centenary.

Solemnity of Saint Clare 2026

For 2026, Assisi renews the celebration of Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares. The celebrations begin on the evening of August 10th with first vespers and the Mass of the solemnity in the Basilica of Saint Clare, and with the prayer vigil during the Transitus of the Saint at the Sanctuary of San Damiano. On August 11th, the feast day, various Masses are held in the Basilica and the solemn concelebration mid-morning, followed by second vespers.

Civil processions, illuminations, and fireworks accompany the religious rites. The 2026 edition is part of the Franciscan Centenary year.

Programme Solennità di Santa Chiara 2026

Monday, August 10th — Vigil

  • Afternoon — First vespers and Holy Mass of the solemnity in the Basilica of Saint Clare
  • Evening — Prayer vigil during the Transitus of Saint Clare at the Sanctuary of San Damiano

Tuesday, August 11th — Solemnity of Saint Clare

  • Morning — Holy Masses in the Basilica of Saint Clare
  • Mid-morning — Solemn concelebration
  • Afternoon — Second vespers and Mass during the Transitus of Saint Clare

In addition: civil and religious processions, illuminations, and fireworks. Detailed times on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.

Highlights Solennità di Santa Chiara 2026

The vigil of the Transitus at San Damiano and the solemn concelebration in the Basilica, with illuminations and fireworks, in the year of the Franciscan Centenary.

Prices Solennità di Santa Chiara 2026

Free access to celebrations.

Practical information — Solennità di Santa Chiara

How to get there

The Basilica of Saint Clare is located in the historic center of Assisi, reachable on foot. By train: Santa Maria degli Angeli station with shuttle bus. The Sanctuary of San Damiano is just outside the walls, reachable on foot or by car.

When

The solemnity is celebrated on August 11th, with the first vespers and the vigil of the Transitus on the evening of the 10th.

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 Santa Chiara

Basilica di Santa Chiara, Assisi

Basilica di Santa Chiara, Piazza Santa Chiara, 06081 Assisi

Contact Solennità di Santa Chiara

Solennità di Santa Chiara in brief

Sacred music Pyrotechnic show Heritage History Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Perugia

History of Solennità di Santa Chiara