Assisi
Visit to Assisi: the city of St. Francis
If you are planning a visit to Umbria, you cannot miss the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Assisi. This municipality of about 27,000 inhabitants, located southeast of Perugia, is famous for being the place where St. Francis and St. Clare, two of the most important figures in Christian spirituality, lived and died.
Physical geography
Territory
Assisi is located on the slopes of Mount Subasio, in a slightly elevated position compared to the northern Umbrian valley. The city is divided into different areas, some flat and others panoramic, which offer extraordinary landscapes. Thanks to its hilly position, Assisi enjoys a pleasant climate, with hot but never stuffy summers and mild winters.
Climate
In the city, spring and autumn tend to be the most humid seasons, while winter temperatures can drop significantly, especially due to the north wind that blows along Mount Subasio. The flat areas of the territory, on the other hand, are characterized by hotter summers and greater humidity. Even here, however, fog can create suggestive effects, especially in autumn.
History
From foundation to barbarian invasions
Assisi has an ancient origin and traces of human presence in the area date back to the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the city has been inhabited by various populations, including the Umbrians, Romans, and Lombards. It was the Romans who gave the city the name of Asisium and worked on the construction of public buildings and private homes.
The medieval period
In the following centuries, Assisi became increasingly important from a cultural and religious point of view. In the twelfth century, St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order, was born here and spent much of his life here. In the city, also lived St. Clare, the founder of the Order of the Poor Clares. Thanks to their influence, Assisi became an important center of spirituality, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.
Renaissance and modern age
In the Renaissance, the local lords worked to restore and enhance the city's main monuments. Famous is the scenery created for the arrival of Cardinal Federico Cornaro in 1632: on the occasion, several arches and decorations were built, which gave rise to the tradition of the "living pictures," a procession that still takes place today on the occasion of the Feast of St. Francis.
What to see in Assisi
Today, Assisi offers many points of interest for visitors. Among the city's main attractions, we mention:
The Basilica of San Francesco
The Basilica of San Francesco is one of the most important monuments of Italian and European art. Here, you can admire some of the most beautiful and significant works of the Renaissance, including the frescoes of Giotto, Simone Martini, Cimabue, and Pietro Lorenzetti.
The Rocca Maggiore
The Rocca Maggiore is the medieval castle that overlooks the city of Assisi. From here, you can enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of the city and the Umbrian valley.
The Temple of Minerva
The Temple of Minerva, one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture in Italy, was transformed into a church in the Christian era.
The Basilica of Santa Chiara
The Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to the founder of the Order of the Poor Clares, contains numerous works of art from the Renaissance period.
How to get to Assisi
Assisi is located about 20 km southeast of Perugia and is easily accessible by car or bus. Alternatively, you can take the train to Assisi station, located near the historic center.
Conclusions
In summary, the city of Assisi is one of the jewels of Umbria and an unmissable place for pilgrims and tourists who want to discover the beauty of art and spirituality. Thanks to its millennial history and its geographical position, Assisi offers suggestive and exciting views that attract visitors from all over the world.
