Assisi

Assisi: a place to see while visiting Umbria

Together with Venice, Florence and Rome, Assisi is one of the most fascinating and wonderful tourist towns in Italy.

Assisi goes back to the Roman age, as you can see in the main square (Piazza del Comune) where there is the Temple dedicated to Minerva. Assisi has reached its maximum glory during the Middle Ages, thanks to Saint Francis, with its solemn buildings and eternal churches.

Assisi is famous all over the world for the charismatic personality of Saint Francis, whose life has been -and already is- a universal example of fraternity, love, and generosity. Francis has also been a precursor -with his Cantico delle Creature– of the so modern feeling of respect for the environment, particularly for animals – legendary events have been the predica agli uccelli (birds that listened to Francis’ word) and the rescue of Gubbio from a terrible wolf.

It is a unique experience to get lost in the alleys of the town to discover its countless masterpieces, starting from the Basilica of Saint Francis with its inestimable Giotto’s frescoes, the Rocca of Albornoz with its medieval small tunnels, walking through Saint Damiano -the church rebuilt by Francis with his own hands- and the romanesque Cathedral of Saint Rufino, the Church of Saint Chiara, the Porziuncola and so on.

Leaving the city centre going across the medieval walls, you reach the Park of Mount Subasio, with its paths for trekking and biking, and its road that lead to the top of the mount, with a stay at the Eremo delle Carceri, the mythical hermitage in the wood where Francis and his followers retreated to meditate.

Assisi also offers the occasion to taste delicious Umbrian eno-gastronomic – “wine and food”, in particular game and truffle dishes – products in lots of small and typical restaurants with romantic views.