ASSISI is A Must See When In Europe

A little further afield, but still in Umbria, and, like Orvieto, perched on a hill, the medieval city of Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, and so it is an important pilgrimage site for thousands of the faithful.  There are many churches here, the most important one being the 13th century Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.  But there are other interesting things to see and do in this fun little town.

Leave Roma Termini bound for Foligno by transferring to a train bound for Assisi.  The total time for the trip including the train change is about two hours.  When you arrive you will discover that the Assisi train station is not very close to the main part of the old city.  However, there are inexpensive buses that leave frequently from the train station for the trip up the side of the hill.

The bus will stop fairly close to Assisi's main sight; the Basilica of St. Francis, which is the final resting place of Italy's most famous saint.  It's a rather odd-looking structure when you first see it: it is actually two churches built on top of each other.  The lower basilica contains the tomb of St. Francis and frescoes by famous Italian artists like Giotto and Cimabue.  The walls of the upper basilica are decorated with beautiful 13th century frescoes by Cimabue.

Another important church here is associated with St. Clare.  She lived at the same time as St. Francis, and she founded the Order of the Poor Sisters, now known as the Order of the Poor Clares.  The Basilica of Santa Chiara is dedicated to St. Clare and contains her tomb.

There are quite a few other churches in Assisi.  When you've had your fill of churches, there are other things to see here.  Wander through the cobblestone streets and you'll eventually hit the main square of Assisi. It's called the Piazza del Comune ("Communal Square"), and this is the place to be. 

There are quite a few things to see here: there is an interesting fountain with three lions on it in the middle of the piazza; the 13th century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo with its clock tower, the early 14th century Torre del Popolo or more commonly known as the People's Tower; the Palazzo dei Priori ("Palace of the Priors"); and the Temple of Minerva, a 1st century BC Corinthian columned Roman temple that was turned into a church, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, in 1539.

Sitting high above the city is a medieval castle called RoccaMaggiore.  It offers a great view of Assisi and the surrounding hills, as well as an exhibition about Calendimaggio, which is Assisi's spring festival.

All over Assisi you will see wonderful medieval houses on the cobblestone streets.  After trekking up to Rocca Maggiore, it's time to wander down these streets and head back to the Piazza del Comune.  There are shops and restaurants in this area.  Try Ristorante Taverna dei Consoli.  You can enjoy great Italian food al fresco right on the piazza.

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