A city known among many, but many may say it is still unknown. Intrigued?
Assisi. You splendid, special, spectacular thing. I’d heard this name mentioned, passed around and yet, this was my first visit. The wind was fierce, the views crystal clear for kilometers and kilometers and the streets...empty! I loved having these corners of the town to myself, only occasionally passing another person or couple. I did see a group of Chinese tourists all dressed up in uniforms, I’m assuming school uniforms since they all looked so young. Then as I was headed back to my car I saw a group of Italian high school students loading into a bus. This made me think about the “field trips” that I took as a kid from southern Oregon. We had caves in the nearby mountains and I used to think that was the coolest thing! Oh to be a kid again…
The wind seriously chilled me to the bone and I rushed about the town taking photos and quickly putting my hands back in my pockets. I walked from one side of the town to the other. The main roadway was basically straight all of the way, built into the side of the mountain. Many stores and restaurants were closed that were on the edge of town, and it’s smart because it’s their true off season at this time. They must save up their energy for their busy months. No rest for the wicked!
I again failed myself by not hiring a guide, however, I do plan to be back here! I walked by some really beautiful medieval homes turned into shops or cafes. Still proudly representing a crest above their doors. Something I love to see! As I stood there, looking around in disbelief that some of these places are still standing, men dressed as priests walked by me smiling kindly. Lots and lots of them. I wondered what their stories were, if they have been here long or are here with other groups that are on a spiritually focused tour group. Which you can absolutely do here!
As it should be, the grand finale was at the end of the town, perched over the Umbrian countryside, standing tall and fabulous in all of its glory. The Basilica of Saint Francis d’Assisi.
A lady selling scarves saw me standing like an idiot shivering and started laughing. I commented on the weather in Italian, and she replied, “we can’t all be saints!” Referring to the main man/saint of this town!
I laughed and her smiled warmed me, I waved goodbye and walked toward the church. I knew this was well known in the spiritual world, but I didn’t really read too much into it. If I’m excited about something I don’t look at a zillion google photos or blogs, the element of surprise is still there sometimes, which is exciting! No photos are allowed inside, though an Italian woman continued to snap photos in certain corners, trying to avoid the guards and security cameras....lady, stop it. Please don’t be that person. Respect the rules folks.
Without having my lens to look through, at every corner of the church, I decided to take a seat in one of the pews. I looked at the details and the stories that the art displayed. Some still very intact, others showing a bit of wear and tear. It’s then that I spotted these machines at the side of the church in the second level (yes, there are levels to this church, it just keeps on going and going!). For 2 euros you could put on some headphones, look at a screen and touch on different stories of the church that you wanted to learn about. More of a quick overview since they only lasted about 1-2 mins each, but it was something and I was happy to take in some history while I was there.
I had most streets, most piazzas and corners of the basilica to myself. I could see how this town could be in the peak seasons- especially during their festival that lasts two days, October 4th and the 5th. Be ready for the crowds around those days!
I considered hiking up to the fortress that hovers over the town, but I chickened out when I realized what time it was already. I’ve been a bit on a schedule on this trip and ideally parking the rental car before dark. Honestly with these hairpin turns in these little towns, it’s great to park the car and have a glass of wine after driving all over the place every day! I hope you’ll consider Assisi for your next trip to Italy, if not for an overnight stay, you can do just like I did and take a day trip from a nearby town. You won’t regret it!