With Francis – immersive VR experience in Assisi

Traveling through Italy’s charming hill towns often means walking ancient streets, visiting stunning basilicas, and soaking in centuries-old stories. But imagine if you could step into the life of St. Francis himself, feeling what he felt and hearing his voice as he recounts his journey. That’s exactly what the “With Francis” immersive VR experience in Assisi offers—a fresh, visually engaging way to connect with one of Italy’s most beloved saints.

We love how this experience blends cutting-edge technology with spiritual storytelling, making a centuries-old story accessible and emotionally resonant. It’s also great for those who want a more interactive way to learn about St. Francis without dedicating hours to a museum or tour. But a word of caution: it’s not suitable for very young children, and some might find wearing a VR headset a bit disorienting or overwhelming if they’re sensitive to the technology.

If you’re curious about exploring Assisi’s spiritual side in a modern way, this VR experience could be perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate innovation, enjoy stories of faith and brotherhood, or are looking for a memorable, thought-provoking moment during their visit.

Key Points

• Innovative storytelling: The experience narrates St. Francis’s life directly from his perspective, adding depth.
• Short but impactful: At just 17 minutes, it offers an emotionally rich glimpse into his spiritual journey.
• Accessible: Available in seven languages, making it suitable for international visitors.
• Family-friendly (from age 8): Younger children might need a tablet instead of the headset.
• Convenient location: Set in a lovely space in front of the Basilica, easy to fit into your day.
• Good value: Combines technology, culture, and faith, providing a unique way to connect with Assisi’s spiritual heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the scene in Assisi

Assisi is a town soaked in history, spirituality, and art. While wandering the cobblestone streets and visiting the famous basilicas are highlights, this VR experience offers a different lens. It’s located at the Sacred Convent, right in front of the Basilica, making it easy to add to your itinerary without extra travel hassle. The coordinates are precise, making it simple to find.

The experience lasts about 17 minutes, which makes it a manageable addition to your day, whether you’re trying to beat the crowds or looking for a quiet moment of reflection. You’ll skip the line and jump straight into the story, which is a big plus in busy Assisi.

What you’ll see and hear

The virtual journey takes you through some of the most pivotal moments in St. Francis’s life: his conversion at San Damiano, his encounter with lepers, renouncing material goods, the nativity scene at Greccio, the vision on Monte della Verna, and the famous Canticle of the Creatures. Each scene is narrated by Francis himself, adding an authentic and personal touch that makes the story feel immediate and heartfelt.

The visuals are designed to be engaging and moving, with some reviews praising the experience for its emotional impact. One reviewer said, “The story is told with such intensity that I felt like I was right there with him.” This close connection helps visitors understand the simplicity, brotherhood, and love for nature that define Francis’s message.

The technology and presentation

The VR headset is the star of the show here. Most users find it comfortable enough to wear, and the experience is designed to be accessible even if you wear glasses—though comfort levels vary depending on the size of your glasses. The presentation is visually appealing, with high-quality images that bring biblical scenes and historical moments to life.

The narration is available in seven languages, making it inclusive for international travelers. Some content is shown in its original language, which adds authenticity, but it’s generally well-supported with subtitles or voice translations.

Who is this experience best for?

The VR experience is recommended for ages 8 and up, making it suitable for families with older children or teenagers interested in history, faith, or technology. It’s not geared toward very young kids, mainly because of the headset and the length of the journey.

Travelers who appreciate innovative ways of storytelling, or those who want a spiritual experience that feels both personal and modern, will find a lot to love here. It’s also ideal for visitors who prefer a contemplative, emotional connection over traditional sightseeing.

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The value of the experience

At about 17 minutes, the VR tour offers a concise but powerful look into St. Francis’s life. Considering the technological element, the storytelling depth, and its location in the heart of Assisi, it’s a pretty good value for those interested in a memorable, heartfelt encounter with the saint’s story.

While the ticket price isn’t specified here, the experience’s focus on emotional storytelling and high-quality visuals makes it a worthwhile addition for anyone with a curiosity about Francis or a desire to see a spiritual side of Assisi in a modern format.

The practicalities

Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still fluid. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand. The experience lasts just 17 minutes, so plan to spend about a quarter of your visit in front of the basilica for this.

The group size is not explicitly limited, but given that it’s a VR experience in a dedicated space, it’s likely to be a small group setting, enhancing the personal feel.

Final thoughts

This immersive VR experience is a fresh way to engage with St. Francis’s story, blending faith, history, and technology in a way that appeals to a broad audience. It’s particularly compelling for those who crave a reflective, emotional encounter rather than just viewing artifacts or listening to a guide.

While it might not replace a visit to the basilicas or traditional tours for everyone, it offers a meaningful and modern perspective on a beloved figure. For anyone interested in seeing Assisi through a new lens—especially if you’re intrigued by storytelling and tech—it’s well worth considering.

Who should consider this tour?

If you’re a traveler who values innovative experiences, enjoys stories told from a personal point of view, or is simply curious about the spiritual side of Assisi, this VR tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to connect with Saint Francis’s message of brotherhood, simplicity, and love for nature in a way that’s both engaging and emotionally resonant.

It’s not ideal for very young children or those uncomfortable with VR headsets, but older kids, teenagers, and adults looking for a thoughtful, visually captivating moment will find much to appreciate here.

FAQs

Is the experience suitable for children?
It’s recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger children might find the VR headset uncomfortable or overwhelming, but they can still watch the content on a tablet if they want to participate.

How long does the experience last?
The VR journey takes about 17 minutes, making it a quick but meaningful addition to your day in Assisi.

Is it accessible in different languages?
Yes, the experience is available in seven languages, including Italian, English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish.

Where is the meeting point?
You’ll find the entrance at the Press Room of the Sacred Convent, in front of the Basilica’s external stairs. The exact coordinates are 43.0743, 12.6066.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled time.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot to ensure availability, especially during busy seasons.

What should I wear or bring?
Just wear comfortable clothes; you’ll need to put on the VR headset. If you wear glasses, most find it manageable, but comfort varies.

Is there a group size limit?
While not explicitly stated, the experience is usually conducted in small groups or individual settings for immersion.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

If you’re visiting Assisi and want a meaningful, innovative way to connect with St. Francis’s story, this VR experience offers a memorable option—short, impactful, and beautifully crafted.

You can check availability for your dates here: