Sunday, October 27, 2019

Suburban Girl's Day Trip to Assisi, A World Heritage Town




There are so many little hill towns throughout the 
 Umbrian countryside 
that you could spend quite a bit of time exploring each one.  
I wish I could. 
Really, I do. 

Driving by Unknown Hill Town 
Assisi, near the city of Perugia, is one that draws in the Catholic pilgrims 
visiting the birthplace of St. Francis. 



From Rome or Florence it would take you about 2 1/2 hours to Assisi. 
But we had stayed in the charming Montefalco just 1/2 hour away 
(We don't like crowds.) 

Assisi

You can park outside the city and walk in 
 because driving and parking inside is pretty tight. 


Most visitors are coming to see the Basilica of St. Frances. 
But just wandering through the alleys is a treat in itself 
and from the hilltop you will be rewarded with valley views. 

Roof Tops and Hill Tops

For lunch we stopped in a little deli 
(Gambacorta, Bottega del Bongustaio)
and had sandwiches made to go. 

Who's Counting Steps? 

We then climbed up to the top of the hill, 
had a little picnic, 
and found a location for taking photos of the Umbrian countryside. 
Assisi is quite hilly so plan on a lot of climbing 
during your explorations. 

View of Umbria

You can easily spend half a day here 
and depending on what you want to see 
and how long of a lunch break you take,
possibly a whole day.  

More Climbing
You'll easily burn off a gelato.

Some options include: 
Basilica di Santa Chiara

Basilica of St. Frances contains beautiful Frescoes.
*Dress code enforced.  No photos permitted inside.
(A rare vacation photo of me)  Temple of Minerva with its Roman Facade
The 12th century fortress of Rocco Maggiore
Below Assisi in the foothills is the Basilica Santa Maria Degli Angeli
And when your feet are tired
people watch in the Piazza del Commune with a refreshing gelato

Assisi is located in Umbria in central Italy.
After reading many books set in Tuscany
I put Tuscany on my bucket list.
But Umbria is not to be overlooked.
Since everyone else is heading for the Tuscan sun,
you'll find more off-the-beaten-path locations in Umbria.

Assisi


Click here to view more of my photos from this trip.

Special Times in Assisi
Beginning of May: 3 day Medieval Festival 
Easter:  Book in advance due to crowds
August: Pardon Festival 
October: St. Frances Celebration 
Christmas: St Francis began the live nativity tradition so there will be many nativity displays; Christmas market





2 comments:

Tamar SB said...

What a gorgeous place to explore!

MadSnapper said...

every view is stunning and I love all of them. I am choosing the last photo as my favorite. who knew a wall and steps could be ART? what an amazing place to be.. careful you don't snap yourself silly