Gifts and Souvenirs in Assisi

With millions of visitors annually, Assisi has its share of gift and souvenir shops. Most are modest and oriented toward serving pilgrims and tourists, with a few exceptions. Some of the following places and gift ideas, involving acquaintances or vendors from whom I've made purchases, may be included among Assisi's best shopping options.
For special gifts, Ferdinando Tontino has a nice ceramics shop at Via Portica 31.

It's just down the street from the Piazza del Comune in the direction of the Basilica of Saint Francis. Head down the hill to where the road forks and look for his place on the left. 

He has a wide selection of beautiful Deruta ceramics, and also carries works by Assisi artist Claudio Carli. 

A great place to shop, on the Piazza del Comune, across from the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, is Zubboli's Bookstore.

Step inside and check out the range of books and stationery products, including what I consider the best book on Assisi art and history, aptly titled Guide to Assisi History and Art. Also, check out the nice advent calendars in one of the glass display cases. And, here too may be found a wide assortment of maps, including a trail map for hiking Mount Subasio.

Another very nice gift shop, Alice (pronounced ah-lee-chay), is located across from the Chiesa Nuova (New Church) just below the fountain end of the Piazza del Comune.

Here may be found may unique hand-made gifts, including colorful Assisi-oriented artwork and clothing for children.

For more standard souvenir shoppers, a good place to find a range of religious items, from trinkets to books, statues and more, is behind the Basilica of Saint Francis, where there is a fairly large gift shop. 

To get there, one may enter and pass through the upper church, then descend the stairs to the side of the apse, or enter and pass through the lower church, then climb the stairs to the side of the apse. Either way, one will arrive outdoors, turning and looking up at the exterior of the church (above) and, off to the side, will find the gift shop.

In terms of standard souvenir shops along the main road through town, perhaps the one with the widest selection is located just across the road from the fountain in front of the Basilica of Saint Clare.

Whether searching for postcards, sweatshirts, small memorabilia or other gifts, there's a good chance you'll find it here.

Of course, the best gifts Assisi visitors take home are spiritual in nature, and are both free and priceless.

Ciao.