Assisi, Italy can be found is the Perugia province in the Umbria Region. This area is known for its breath-taking countryside and rich history.
Assisi is also known as the birthplace of St. Francis that founded the Franciscan religious order in 1208 and St. Chiara dOffreducci that founded Poor Clares. During the 19th century, Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was also born here.
Visitors flock Assisi every year to capture a bit of the past by visiting such historic landmarks as the two medieval castles. The most popular is the Rocca Maggiore. It is a very large castle that was built in 1367 by Cardinal Alvornoz and then later Popes Pius II and Paul III added other sections.
The main attraction of Assisi, Italy is the Basilica of San Francesco dAssisi or St. Francis. The monastery and the upper and lower church construction was began shortly after his canonization in 1228; however, it took until 1253 to complete. Today, the lower church is a museum that houses such medieval artists as Giotto and Cimabue. The upper church includes frescos of scenes that depict the life of St. Francis by Giotto and others.
Other attractions include:
The Porziuncola Museum situated within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
The Cathedral Museum and Crypt of St Rufino, which is home to archaeological remains, religious vestments, and unique paintings is adventure through time.
The Municipal Art Gallery is located in the Palazzo Vallermani. Some of the artwork was created by artists such as Andrea dAssisi, Puccio Capanna, and Giotto.
The Treasure Museum and F.M. Perkins collection can be found in the Basilica of Saint Francis. Here you will love all the unique paintings, wooden sculptures, medieval glazed majiolicas, sinopiae, ivories, cloths, tapestries and unique gold work.
As you can see, Assisi, Italy has much to offer anyone that steps into this charming and historical town. From majestic beauty to artwork, from history to modern restaurants with exquisite cuisine, Assisi has something for everyone.
By: Paolo Mic
Assisi Gubbio Bastia Umbra
