The beginning of the XVI century saw the end of the town’s most difficult period: it was absorbed into the Papal State until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.

Centuries of imperial domination, of subjection to the papacy, of dependence from the Signorias have marked the history of the town in its long path towards the birth of the Italian state.

With the Italian Unification and with the realization of the railway yard, the town opened itself to trade and to religious tourism.

In 1962, on the occasion of the seventh centennial of the death of Saint Francis, the Mayor brought to Assisi more than two millions pilgrims from all over the world.

Pope John Paul II declared it Capital of Peace and Dialogue.

Its religious and cultural life and even its physical appearance have always been strongly permeated by the figure of Saint Francis.