Assisi

On Friday, my friends Elyse, Caitlin, Kate (Caitlin’s friend that is studying in Vienna), and I decided to take a day-trip to Assisi. It is a mere 25 minute train ride away, and then a taxi ride up to the actual city. The city is also on a hill (I know, very surprising in Italy) and very, very quiet. We didn’t see many people out in the streets, or even in the churches, though it was a Friday, so maybe people just work outside of Assisi? Anyways, the town is just beautiful- very clean and it definitely carried a religious feel. Almost every store sold rosaries, prayer cards, pictures/post cards of the church, etc.

Our first stop was the Basilica di San Francesco (Basilica of Saint Francis- pictured above). We decided to get the audio tour guide, which was really, really informative, and gave a lot of interesting stories behind the frescos (paintings) and history of Saint Francis. The sad thing is that in most churches here, you are not allowed to take pictures inside, so I sadly can’t share much with you. I did, however, miss the signs at first, and took a picture of this one…and then got yelled at in Italian to turn off my camera. Here’s your inside look:

Inside the Basilica, there is the tomb of Saint Francis, along with numerous relics of his. There were shoes, chalices, and lots of his clothes, such as this one:

Following our long stay at the Basilica (and some gelato, or course), we stopped in the church of Santa Maria (Saint Mary’s). As we were walking to the other main church in Assisi, Elyse suggests us to stop in this smaller church on the way. It just so happens that this was the church that was built on top of San Francesco’s house! Inside the church is the actual front door of his house, the cell he was imprisoned in, and his father’s shop…..here are some pictures:

<- This is the inside of the chapel.

This is the prison cell San Francesco was kept in. ->

Then we venture on to Chiesa di Santa Chiara (Church of Saint Clare). Again, we couldn’t take pictures inside :/. This church actually has the cross that San Francesco was praying to when God came to him…very interesting! There was also Santa Chiara’s tomb, and lots of beautiful statues and frescos.

As the sun set, we realized we had to leave (wow…I’m sounding like I’m writing a novel), so we headed back to the train station. Assisi was BEAUTIFUL, and we all commented on how underrated it is. I plan to go back because the top fortress was closed, and supposedly there are gorgeous views from it. Check out my picture website for more photos! <>