“Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and be that perfectly” ~ St. Francis of Assisi.
https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/art-culture/visit-assisi-italy-attractions
Just about a 2 hour drive lead us to the delightful hilltop city of Assisi. Both Kailee and our neighbors both recommended the visit. Mike and I found this to be a great day trip from Poggio Nativo. It’s in central Italy ~ in the Umbria region. This is just above the Lazio region. The drive was not bad at all. Once there, we found ample parking for an affordable fee. Follow the signs to St. Francesco’s Basilica all the way to the top of the hill. From there you’ll see numerous parking lots. Make note of where you are and just look for the brown historical direction signs. After parking we headed towards the center, which is easily marked ~ even for the most confused travelers lol.
We decided to head to the Basilica first and then make our way back. My phone shows we walked over 4 miles, though it really didn’t feel like it (in the moment). The walk at times takes you on some higher inclines, but you’ll find this in any of these villages. Just take your time and pace yourself. It’s really not a bad walk at all. As you pass through the main piazza, Piazza Del Comune you’ll see how much it has to offer. There you’ll find numerous shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s quite lively and plenty of places to sit and relax. Don’t miss the water fountains, especially on a hot day! Fill up your bottles and stay hydrated. Take the time to pop inside the numerous shops! Many have the same souvenir type gifts, but there are plenty unique shops with handmade items. I found a beautiful leather crossbody bag in one of the shops. I paid a 1/3 of the price I paid in Florence for Italian leather. While on our Christmas trip with the girls in 2019, I found 3 small, but beautiful crossbody bags for each of them. They were discounted and still much more expensive than the bag I purchased today. So, if you’re looking for an Italian leather bag, definitely take a look in Assisi.
Coming down the street to the Basilica, it catches you by surprise. The sight is truly remarkable and it overlooks the beautiful Umbrian countryside. There was no fee to enter and if you end up in Assisi, you must go inside. Again, like any of these amazing places of worship, you do NOT need to be Catholic or religious to appreciate them. They are full of inspiration, details and are truly remarkable. Though photos are not allowed (inside), you’ll have to take my word that it is truly a magnificent sight to see. The details, colors and the stained glass (are my absolute favorite) you could stare all day at the ceiling. The frescoes are exquisite. Be sure to go to both the upper church and follow the signs to the lower church. There, you’ll see the tomb of St. Francis down below. You can actually walk around this sacred and protected place of rest. There is a small chapel with pews to catch your breath and sit in the silence of your thoughts as you say some prayers.
After leaving the Basilica, we strolled back through the streets and immediately found gelato! It was delicious and just a few steps away. Stop and grab a medium, take a seat and just take in the scenery. You won’t regret it. I had strawberry and mango – 2 scoops! Perfecto! If you miss that spot, don’t worry, you’ll find plenty to choose from.
We ended up with quite the appetite and were on a mission to find pizza. As we made our way back through the village, just before leaving we found “La Lanterna”. It’s up a little side alley (walking out on the left side) with plenty of outdoor dining. The pizza was exactly what I was looking for! Mike enjoyed a calzone and we give 4 thumbs up…highly recommended!!
“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way” ~ St. Francis of Assisi.
Assisi, though known to be the birth and death place of St. Francis, it is also known for St. Clare. St. Clare was the founder of the Poor Sisters, which became the Order of Poor Clares after St. Clare’s death. To walk the streets of Assisi, knowing the history here is something else. You can feel the serenity in this village. It is pristine and very charming to stroll through. You could definitely spend a day exploring this historic village. We got a late start, so I feel we only hit the main sights. We will be going back for sure!
A little fyi; St. Francis of Assisi was born wealthy, and apparently his father wanted him to follow in his footsteps. However, St. Francis chose to follow Christ instead. He served the poor and focused on others, making him a very humble servant of God. If you have never heard of St. Francis of Assisi, or the village of Assisi ~ look them up!
You will definitely want to add it to your must do/see when in Rome. It’s an easy day trip and one you won’t regret. Not overly crowded at all in the middle of July.
We had a lovely day, yes it was wicked hot and we were wiped out returning back home, but to walk in such historic streets is amazing to me. To sit in the beautiful Basilica and offer up some very important prayers for my loved ones, is also a special feeling. I was also able to light a candle here and said special intentions for family members and loved ones. I know our prayers are heard always, even in the privacy of our own homes. But, sitting in these magical places of worship, in complete awe at the extraordinary details, you can’t help but feel something within yourself. I absolutely am overcome with peace and serenity.
I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity to experience all of this. I still can’t believe we are in Italy, we own a home here ~ AND ~ I can take you along with us. I hope you are living your best life wherever you are! I only wish all my loved ones were right here with us. I can share photos (when they upload lol) and write about all of this beauty, but to have you with me would be amazing. I can’t wait to take my mom to Assisi. I know she will truly love everything that I loved about it today.
Buona Notte ~ Much love.
LOVE changes hearts ~ Blessed is she.