Assisi, Italy

This morning the 5 of us drove 55 miles northeast to Assisi. Just outside Perugia (where I also wanted to stop, but it turns out its another larger city without the beauty were about to see). We followed the phone’s directions until we saw this beautiful town on a hill, surrounded by a beautiful green landscape.

We parked on the south side of town and wandered up to the middle. The main purpose of coming here is to see St. Francis Basilica, but first we went into the center of town and saw the Temple of Minerva. This 16th century church, behind its Corinthian columns has a petite interior, but some decorative frescoes inside.

It was lunch time so at the behest of the Lonely Planet we went to Osteria La Piazzetta dell’Erba. We sat outside at this Japanese influenced Italian restaurant, and the food was magnificent. I had the steamed shrimp bun with spicy mayo. The boys split a pinsa with rocket, cherry tomatoes and ham that was so fresh. I had a bite and it was magnificent. Amy had a tuna tataki that was the most beautiful looking food I’d ever seen. And had a taste to match. What a great find!

D, M & Drew, Osteria la Piazzetta dell'Erba, Assisi, Italy

Our plan from here is to walk down to St. Francis’ Basilica, but first, gelato. We stopped at a wonderful place near the restaurant and ate it while standing in Piazza del Commune, while mom and Drew looked in some stores.

D, B & L, Assisi, Italy

There was some more browsing as we walked north-west down the hill until we got to Basilica di San Francisco d’Assisi. When you come towards the church you are walking down narrow streets, and all of a sudden the view opens up to the church, at the edge of town, with greenery as far as the eye can see behind it. It is breathtaking. This church was built after St. Francis’ canonization in 1228 and today is World Heritage Listed. And just when you think the outside is spectacular, we walked into the lower church (after Amy was given a shoulder covering) into this most spectacular basilica. Many small chapels are surrounded by endless frescoes, while you wander around in near silence trying to take everything in. You can exit just beside the altar and those steps take you outside above the courtyard of the friary. You can walk across there to get into the upper church. A bluer (literally) feel in this large chapel, I spent a fair bit of time looking at the ornate woodwork of the choir area. The boys were done and Amy took them outside, while I continued through and not realizing I could get out at the upper basilica, I went back down. And I’m glad I did, as I was able to go into the crypt, where Francis remains were entombed. It’s a little creepy, but what is here is why this whole magnificent church was built. St Francis is a native of this town and died here at the age of 44. His love of animals was well known, but his main achievement was seen as founding the Franciscan Order in 1209. A great history lesson today. I hope the boys come to realize the importance of seeing this beautiful county and its significant history.

A, B, D & L, Basilica di San Francisco d’Assisi, Assisi, Italy

We drove pass the town of Todi, about half way back home. We’ll have to look at this place and see if it’s worth a visit. Mind you I think the answer is yes, just from driving by it on the road.

Back at home we had a swim in the pool. Dinner tonight was lasagna, made by Francesco’s girlfriend especially for the boys. And we all went and watched another sunset tonight. How great is this place!

L&B, Orvieto, Italy

Sunset, Orvieto, Italy