Assisi celebrates theme of peace in modern art.
The pilgrimage town of Assisi in Italy’s central Umbria region lights up over the Christmas season by drawing on the works of artists Banksy, Chagall, Magritte, Klimt, Köder and Picasso.
Paintings by these modern artists have been adapted to illuminate the façades of the town’s landmarks as part of the Natale ad Assisi programme, with hundreds of events including concerts.
The video-mapping project will light up the exterior of the Basilica di San Francesco, dedicated to Italy’s patron saint, with the Greccio Nativity Scene by Sieger Köder.
Picasso lights up the Sanctuary of Rivotorto, while Chagall takes the stage at the Basilica of Santa Chiara, Klimt at the Abbey of San Pietro, Magritte at the Cathedral of San Rufino, and Banksy in Piazza del Comune.
Banksy’s Peace on Earth exhibition is open at the Rocca Maggiore until 11 January 2026, while the word “peace” is written in various world languages on the exterior of the Temple of Minerva and the Torre del Popolo.
The Christmas lighting project – organised in conjunction with energy provider Enel and Assisi tourism authorities – runs in parallel to a major exhibition of Nativity scenes from around the world, held in three locations: Palazzo Monte Frumentario, Galleria Le Logge and Palazzo del Capitano del Perdono.
Completing the festive atmosphere in Assisi, the Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Chiara are open every day until 6 January (weekdays 10.00-19.00, Sundays and holidays 09.00-20.00), and in Piazza Garibaldi at Santa Maria degli Angeli daily until 21 December (weekdays 10.00-19.00, holidays 09.00-20.00).
