FAQ

What is the NUN Assisi Relais & Spa Museum?

The NUN Assisi Relais & Spa Museum is the only five-star luxury hotel in the historic center of Assisi, set inside the medieval monastery of Santa Caterina, founded in 1275. It is an urban relais of 18 suites, each one different, where medieval architecture, Roman archaeological remains, and contemporary design hold a rare balance. The name "NUN" recalls both the nuns who once lived in the monastery and the sense of silence, simplicity, and depth that still runs through every space.

What is the history of the building?

The building was originally a thirteenth-century Benedictine monastery in the heart of Assisi, the city of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. For centuries it was a place of monastic life, holding within its underground levels something even older: the remains of a Roman amphitheater from the first century AD and a temple dedicated to the cult of the waters from the second century BC. After an ambitious restoration that preserved the original medieval structure and brought the archaeological finds to light, the monastery returned as a luxury Relais, with the spiritual soul of the place intact.

In what sense is NUN an 'urban relais'? Is it not in the countryside?

NUN is a rare presence within Italian luxury hospitality: a Relais in scale, atmosphere, and intimacy, set not on a country estate or in the open countryside, but in the historic center of one of the most spiritually intense cities in Italy. Guests can walk to the main basilicas and the medieval heart of Assisi while staying within an experience that is quiet, intimate, and far from mass tourism. The elevated position, outside the restricted-traffic zone, allows easy access without losing the closeness to the center.

How many rooms does NUN have and how is the accommodation arranged?

The Relais has 18 suites, all different from one another. Each suite carries its own story: original thirteenth-century stone walls, vaulted ceilings, ancient wooden beams, marble bathrooms, designed furnishings, and selected natural materials. Some suites face the Rocca Maggiore and the medieval rooftops of Assisi, others open onto the inner garden, more sheltered and silent. The intent is the opposite of contemporary hotel standardization: every guest stays in a space that exists only once.

Which services are included in the rooms?

All suites are climate controlled, with heating in winter and air conditioning in summer, a stocked minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi, spa linen kit, bathroom courtesy kit, LCD television, and room service. Daily access to the NUN Spa Museum circuit is included with the stay.

Are special arrangements possible, such as a crib or extra beds?

A crib can be added at no charge for children up to 2 years of age. From the Suite category onward, in some rooms it is possible to add one or two single beds with an additional fee paid on site. Specific needs are best flagged at the time of booking.

What exactly is the NUN Spa Museum? Is it really built over Roman ruins?

Yes, it is one of the rare spas in the world built upon real, accessible archaeological remains. During the restoration of the monastery, the underground levels revealed the remains of a Roman complex from the first century AD and a temple dedicated to the sacred cult of water from the second century BC. Rather than hiding or simply displaying these finds, NUN chose to fold them into the wellness circuit: the six original limestone pillars from the first century AD now surround the central pool, and guests follow their wellness experience inside more than two thousand years of layered history. No comparable experience exists in any other hotel in Italy.

What does the 'NUN Circuit' consist of?

The NUN Circuit is a thermal experience set across four underground rooms, each with its own temperature and humidity, drawing on the sequence of the ancient Roman baths: tepidarium, calidarium, sudatorium, and frigidarium. Alongside these come a jacuzzi with powerful hydromassage, a multi-jet pool, and the tisaneria, where herbal infusions, selected teas, dried fruit, and biscuits are served. The full circuit lasts about three hours and is shaped for a gradual immersion that works on the entire body. At the end, many guests describe a sense of lightness and deep renewal.

Is the spa included with the stay?

Access to the NUN Circuit is included with the stay. The spa is also open to non-overnight guests by advance booking. Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Is it possible to access the spa without an overnight stay?

Yes, the NUN Spa Museum welcomes external guests as well. The NUN Circuit lasts about three hours and can be enriched with personalized treatments on request, subject to availability. Advance booking is required. Access is reserved for guests aged 16 and over; guests between 16 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What treatments are available beyond the thermal circuit?

The NUN Spa Museum has beauty cabins with qualified staff for massages and body and face treatments, all customizable to the guest's needs. The treatments available include muscle-relaxing massages, couples' treatments, dedicated skin rituals, and integrated wellness paths. The thermal circuit is designed to enhance the effect of the treatments, so many guests choose to combine the two in the same session.

What to bring to the spa? Is a swimsuit required?

On arrival, every guest receives a complete spa kit: bathrobe, slippers, and towel. The changing rooms are equipped with hairdryers. A swimsuit is required in the pools and common areas. There is no need to bring anything specific: everything you need is provided by the property.

Is it possible to do yoga or meditation at NUN?

Yes, the Relais offers yoga and meditation sessions, ideal for those who want to extend physical wellness toward something more contemplative, particularly fitting for the spiritual atmosphere of Assisi. Sessions can be arranged on request, including in private form.

What kind of cuisine does the Benedikto restaurant offer?

Benedikto celebrates the great Umbrian gastronomic tradition with a contemporary approach. The kitchen draws on fresh, local ingredients, black truffle from Norcia, hand-made pasta, extra-virgin olive oil from the territory, meats and cheeses from small producers, and reworks them with care and creativity. Bread and pastries are made in-house. The experience is more than gastronomic: the dining room is suspended above the medieval rooftops of Assisi, with a direct view of the Rocca Maggiore. At sunset, the panorama becomes remarkable.

Is the view from the restaurant really that remarkable?

The position of Benedikto is genuinely unique: the restaurant is on the highest part of the building, opening onto the rooftops of Assisi with a direct view of the Rocca Maggiore. On summer evenings, with the sun setting behind the Umbrian hills, the visual experience meets the gastronomic one in a way many guests describe as one of the most memorable moments of their stay. Few restaurants in Italy combine this kind of historic context with this panorama.

Is the Benedikto restaurant open to non-overnight guests as well?

Yes, Benedikto welcomes external guests for both lunch and dinner, by reservation and subject to availability. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and during the high season. The restaurant is also a fitting setting for private dinners and special occasions.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, breakfast is included with the stay and is served daily at the restaurant. It is a gourmet breakfast with a buffet and a dedicated menu that draws on the ingredients of Umbria.

What experiences can be lived during a stay at NUN?

NUN is conceived as a starting point for a deep immersion into the Umbrian territory, not only as accommodation. Among the experiences available: cooking classes in the kitchen of the property or in outside settings with local producers; visits and tastings at wineries and olive mills of the region; guided walks and trekking on the trails of Monte Subasio; cultural tours of Assisi and the surrounding towns. The Relais Concierge can build personalized itineraries based on the guest's interests.

Is it possible to arrange a cooking class?

Yes, cooking classes are among the most appreciated experiences at NUN. They can take place inside the property or, for those who want a more authentic immersion, directly with local producers or in rural settings of the Umbrian territory. The most frequent themes cover fresh pasta, the use of truffle, and traditional Umbrian cuisine. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for groups.

Is it possible to visit wineries and olive mills?

Yes, the Relais arranges or facilitates visits and tastings at selected wineries and olive mills in the surrounding territory. Umbria is a region rich in remarkable wine producers and historic olive groves: tastings are an effective way to know the territory through taste. We recommend contacting the reception or the Concierge to plan outings during your stay.

Does NUN offer golf experiences?

Guests interested in golf can access two high-level courses in the Umbrian region. The Antognolla Golf Club, about 40 minutes from the Relais, is an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., one of the most spectacular and challenging courses in Italy, set within a striking hilly landscape. The Santa Sabina Golf Club, also a short drive away, offers an 18-hole course in a more sheltered, panoramic setting.

Are there opportunities for trekking and walks in nature?

Assisi is surrounded by an extraordinary natural landscape, with Monte Subasio (regional park) immediately accessible. NUN can suggest or arrange walks and excursions at different levels, from the most panoramic and easy paths to the more demanding routes on the Subasio. Bicycle rental is also available for those who prefer to explore the Umbrian countryside on their own.

How do you reach NUN Assisi by car? Is there a restricted-traffic zone?

The Relais is outside the restricted-traffic zone (ZTL) of Assisi, which means open access by car without any special permit. From the A1 motorway, exit at Valdichiana and follow the signs to Assisi. The address is Via Eremo delle Carceri 1A, 06081 Assisi (PG). The property has private covered parking (€35 per day) and outdoor parking (€20 per day), both on request.

Which is the closest airport?

Perugia Sant'Egidio Airport is about 14 km from the Relais, around 20-22 minutes by car. The Relais can provide information on shuttle services or private transfers. Alternatively, Rome Fiumicino Airport is connected to Assisi by train (to Foligno or directly), at a distance of about 2 to 2.5 hours of travel.

How far is NUN from the center of Assisi and from the basilicas?

The Relais is set on an elevated position, in a quiet area just outside the busiest part of the historic center. On foot: about 5 minutes to the heart of the historic center, 7-8 minutes to the Basilica of Saint Clare, and 20 minutes to the Basilica of Saint Francis. Piazza del Comune is about 500 meters away. The position keeps the city's main sites close while staying away from the most crowded tourist areas.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM. Check-out is by 12:00 noon. Early check-in is possible by advance request, subject to availability, and may carry a supplement. Luggage can be left with the reception both before check-in and after check-out, at no additional cost.

Are pets allowed?

NUN welcomes small dogs with a supplement of €20.00 per dog, per night. The property has two rooms with direct access to our garden, dedicated to those who travel with their four-legged companion. The presence of a pet must be flagged at the time of booking.

Is Wi-Fi available everywhere in the property?

Yes, Wi-Fi is complimentary and available throughout the Relais, including the suites, common areas, the restaurant, and the outdoor spaces.

Is it possible to arrange private events or weddings at NUN?

Yes, the NUN Assisi Relais & Spa Museum is one of the most striking settings in Umbria for private events, weddings, anniversaries, and exclusive celebrations. The combination of medieval architecture, Roman underground spaces, and the panorama of the Benedikto restaurant creates a context that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The Relais team accompanies guests through the planning, from menu personalization to the arrangement of the spaces. We recommend contacting the property in advance to check availability and possibilities.

Is there a meeting room or spaces for business gatherings?

Yes, the Relais has a meeting room set inside a former church. A scenographic yet elegant and functional setting, with capacity for up to about 70 people. The space is ideal for presentations, business meetings, team building, and corporate retreats that ask for an inspirational context outside the ordinary. For smaller, more intimate events, some spaces of the property can be adapted on request.

Why is it best to book directly on nunassisi.com?

Booking directly on nunassisi.com gives access to the best available rates, exclusive packages not available on OTAs, and dedicated benefits such as room upgrades subject to availability, included wellness treatments, or personalized experiences. Direct booking also opens a more immediate line of communication with the Relais team for special requests, stay customization, or arranging activities and experiences.

Which payment methods are accepted?

The Relais accepts credit cards, bank transfers, and cash. Advance bookings or special packages may require a deposit at the time of confirmation.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation conditions vary by room category, rate, and period. The specific applicable conditions are communicated at the time of booking. For more detail, you can contact the Relais directly or consult the bookings section of the website.

How do you contact NUN for information or bookings?

The NUN team can be reached through the contact section of nunassisi.com, by email, and by phone. The reception is open 24 hours a day for any need during the stay. For specific requests (events, personalized experiences, transfers), we recommend contacting the property in advance.