Many tourists believe that having visited Rome and Milan, they have already learned everything about Italy. But many of the most interesting monuments of architecture and natural beauty of the Apennine Peninsula can only be seen in small towns. One such place that is worth visiting for any tourist interested in history and art is the town of Assisi. The sights of this place are all connected with its history. And this city is known as the birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of all Italy. Therefore, it is not only popular for tourists, but also a place of pilgrimage. To know everything about Italy, you must visit Assisi.
General characteristics of the city
Assisi is a small town in the Umbria region with a population of only about 30,000 people. It is located at approximately the same distance from Rome and from Florence - 180 km. Travel time is only 2.5 hours, which is why many Italians come here for the weekend. You can go to Assisialso from Russia. To do this, you just need to order any sightseeing tour from Moscow to Italy.
Italians themselves call Assisi a mystical and mysterious city. This is one of the most famous places in the province of Perugia in the Umbria region. For every Italian, it is familiar, as it is the birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy and the founder of the Franciscan order. Therefore, Assisi is not only interesting for tourists, as an example of a small medieval town that has kept the spirit of the Middle Ages almost untouched. It is also a place of pilgrimage for Catholic worshipers of St. Francis.
The city of Assisi in Italy has a special place not only because of this. Locals call it an open-air museum, because almost every building is an architectural masterpiece, and the narrow streets have preserved the spirit of the Middle Ages. It seems that almost nothing has changed here since the 13th century. After all, Assisi retained his appearance as he was at that time. You won't even see cars in the narrow streets. Entry into the city is prohibited, so the car will have to be left in the car park.
History of Assisi
The city was founded a very long time ago. Even ancient people settled in this area, and the first mention of Assisi is in ancient chronicles in 1000 BC. At first, the Umbrians lived here, as can be seen from the name of the province. They shared territory with the Etruscans. But then the city fell under the influence of the Romans, who gave it the name Assisi. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was sacked by the Visigoths. Then he was captured by Frederick Barbarossa. ExceptIn addition, Assisi waged constant wars with Perugia.
In the 12th century, the further history of the city is determined by St. Francis. He was born into a we althy family and spent his youth in fun. Only then did he renounce all we alth and found the Franciscan Order. His followers built temples and named them after him. In addition, until the 16th century, Assisi was attacked. But luck is that during the numerous wars the city and its sights were not destroyed. Therefore, it has been preserved as it was in the Middle Ages. Even World War II bypassed him.
What to see in Assisi
This city becomes especially popular among tourists in autumn. The beaches are emptying, there are fewer events in the big cities. At this time, tourists like to visit small towns. Moreover, in autumn it becomes especially beautiful here, since the architectural and historical sights of Assisi are inextricably linked with nature. The city is located on the southern slope of Mount Subadzio, surrounded by picturesque gentle hills and olive groves.
This city is rarely included in popular tourist routes in Italy. If there is a tour of it, then only for a few hours. But to get to know Assisi, this is not enough. Better to come here for a few days. Then you will be able to see not only the most famous sights of Assisi, but also get to know his life. What are the small souvenir shops where you can buy almost everything. Unforgettable will also be a walk through the narrow streets of the city withminiature balconies on each house and with many flowers.
Tourists usually go to Assisi to get acquainted with its main attractions. There are also a lot of them:
- St. Francis Basilica;
- Piazza del Comune;
- People's Captain's Palace;
- large and small fortresses;
- New Church;
- Basilica of Saint Clare;
- Cathedral of San Rufino;
- Church of Saint Damian;
- Palace of the Priors;
- Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli;
- St. Peter's Church;
- Olivier Fountain.
Sights of Assisi related to Saint Francis
This saint is the patron saint of Italy and is highly revered by all Catholics. Almost everything in the city is connected with it, so many pilgrims visit it daily. Most of Assisi's attractions are also dedicated to Saint Francis.
- The Basilica of St. Francis began to be built 2 years after his death. At this time, he was already canonized. The place was chosen by the saint himself - this is the place of execution of criminals. The basilica was built in just 25 years. The incredible beauty of the building also impresses with its interior decoration. It is here that you can get acquainted with the amazing creations of Cavallini and Giotto.
- The Basilica of Saint Clare is dedicated to a follower of Francis, the founder of a convent.
- A new church was built on the site where the home of St. Francis's parents had stood. It was created in the 17th century in the Baroque style. Insidea small cell has been preserved in which the father locked Francis, not wanting to let him out of the house. At the end of the 20th century, a sculpture of the saint's parents was installed in front of the church.
- The Sanctuary Eremo delle Carceri was built on the site of a skete where Francis spent time in solitude and prayers. These cold caves were used by other hermits after the saint's death. In the 15th century, the hermitage was expanded, and now it is not only open to tourists, people seeking solitude can settle within its walls.
- The Church of St. Damian was built during the life of the saint. The young man heard the call of God to build a church, which he did. He restored an ancient dilapidated temple, using his father's money for this.
Temples and monasteries
Assisi is not by chance a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics. There are many temples, both built in antiquity and newer ones. Not all of them are dedicated to Saint Francis.
- The Cathedral of St. Rufino was created in the 8th century AD and is dedicated to the patron saint of Assisi. This is a classic example of a Romanesque church. Of particular interest is the façade, on which many allegorical figures are frozen.
- The Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva was built in the 16th century on the site of a pagan Romanesque church. It is located in the central square of Assisi. It is also called the Temple of Minerva for the preserved ancient columns and the remains of a pagan temple near the altar.
- St. Peter's Church was built in the 10th century in the Romanesque style. This is the only church in the city builtunder the auspices of the Order of Saint Benedict.
- The Papal Basilica is located at the foot of a hill near the city. It is also called the Temple of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Its characteristic feature is its impressive size and preserved ancient bell tower
Architectural Monuments
The appearance of the city has been preserved as it was in the 13th century. The narrow streets themselves are architectural monuments. Moreover, there are no transverse streets in the city. But on the other hand, some stairs leading to the entrance to the house have a name. There are several places in the city that are definitely worth a visit, as they are the hallmark of Assisi.
- Piazza del Comune is notable for being home to many of the city's most famous landmarks. It is here that the ancient temple of Minerva, built back in the 1st century, is located.
- The People's Captain's Palace is also located on the central square. It was restored in the 19th century. It features embedded measures of bricks and tiles, as well as fabric samples.
- The Palace of the Priors was created in the 13th-15th centuries for local priests. Now the municipal government of the city is located here, as well as an art gallery.
- Fortress Rocca Maggiori has been towering over the city for more than 800 years. It was destroyed several times and rebuilt again. Friedrich Barbarossa lived here as a child.
- Beautiful fountain in the form of a three-stage bowl, around which are lions.
Museums of Assisi
Himselfthe city is called an open-air museum, but it also has real museums. It is best to purchase a special card that allows you to visit some of the most famous museums in Assisi.
- The Diocesan Museum was opened in the 40s of the 20th century. It has 12 halls and about 300 exhibits, there is a large library and archive. And in the dungeon, the remains of the ancient Roman forum have been preserved.
- The treasury of the Basilica of St. Francis contains many paintings, expensive fabrics, sculptures, household items and ancient manuscripts.
- Gallery of modern art was created only in the middle of the 20th century by Giovanni Rossi. He collected in one place all the images of Jesus Christ. There are also examples of African art in the collection.
- Missionary Museum was created only in 1973. It was the result of the missionary activity of the Franciscan monks in the Amazon.
- The Archaeological Museum is a dungeon where ancient Roman statues, tombstones and other items found during excavations are located.
- Pinacotheca is a museum, which is a mansion of one of the we althy Assisi families, which has been turned into an art gallery. Here you can see works by Perugino, Giotto, Alunno.
Natural Attractions
Assisi will appeal not only to history buffs and Catholics. Having traveled along its narrow streets, you can go outside the city and enjoy amazingly beautiful views of nature. The city is located in a picturesque valley, surrounded by hills, fields and olive groves.
- Mount Subadzio has a height of more than 1200 m.unique pink stones are mined here, from which most of the city's structures are built.
- The lavender fields near Assisi amaze with their beauty.
- The Forest of St. Francis has now been turned into a park. It can be accessed directly from the Basilica. This is the best place for a quiet walk or a picnic in nature.
- Monte Subacio Park is located away from the city on the mountain. From here there are picturesque views of the valley. The natural park itself is home to many animal species.
Reviews of the city
Everyone who comes to Italy should visit Assisi and get acquainted with its amazing sights. This city seems to take tourists into the past. This is what people write about in numerous reviews about Assisi. Even those who are not interested in history are delighted with the narrow streets of the city and the abundance of flowers on them. And lovers of the Middle Ages or admirers of St. Francis are trying to visit these places again.
