Assisi - Italy

This striking original vintage travel poster for Assisi was designed by Vittorio Grassi and issued in 1926 by the Italian state tourist office ENIT.

The composition is both elegant and highly distinctive, framing the iconic hilltop town of Assisi within a monumental architectural arch that opens onto the Umbrian landscape beyond. At the center stands the Basilica of San Francesco, rendered in warm tones that contrast beautifully with the cool blue border. The surrounding countryside stretches into the distance in a patchwork of fields, conveying a sense of serenity and timelessness. Grassi’s refined use of color and stylized perspective reflects the influence of early 20th-century Italian poster design, balancing realism with decorative clarity.

Issued during a formative period for Italian tourism promotion, this poster exemplifies ENIT’s efforts to present Italy as a destination rich in history, spirituality, and scenic beauty. Assisi, as the birthplace of Saint Francis, was—and remains—one of the country’s most important pilgrimage and cultural sites, and the poster captures both its architectural grandeur and its tranquil setting.

Condition: Mounted on linen with small repaired tears and losses at the edges. The top and bottom margins, including parts of the edges (especially at the top), have been recreated and skillfully overpainted. There is also a 6 inch (15 cm) tear at the top edge that has been restored. Despite these restorations, the poster displays very well with strong visual impact.

A rare and highly decorative Italian travel poster from the 1920s, appealing to collectors of early tourism graphics, architectural imagery, and classic European destinations.