Are you looking for a city in Umbria where you can spend a holiday amidst history, spirituality and nature? Discover the eternal charm of Assisi, a city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Overlooking the Umbrian Valley, in a relaxing hilly landscape, Assisi represents an ideal city in Central Italy for one vacation or a weekend in Umbria between nature, history and spirituality.
Known throughout the world for the figures of Saint Francis And Santa Clearwho were born, lived and died here, Assisi was recognized in 2000 World Heritage Site protected byUNESCO together with its Franciscan sites among which the Basilica dedicated to the Patron Saint of Italy stands out.
The criteria for this choice lie in the fundamental role of this flourishing territory for the history of world art, a perfect example of continuity between the sanctuary city and the natural environment of eternal charm.
Assisi is in fact the place of origin of the Franciscan movement which brought the universal message of peace and respect to the world, an intangible heritage that has been preserved and protected over time.
The basilica of San Francesco
A place full of charm and peace, the Basilica of San Francesco since 1230 it has kept the remains of San Francesco, the “Poverello” of Assisi.
Its structure consists of two superimposed churches, the lower basilica in Umbrian Romanesque style essentially plays the role of commemorative church, with its beautiful crypt, the upper basilica in Gothic style instead hosts the official liturgical functions and is recognizable by its facade with a large central rose window and for the lawn in front of which you can read the Latin word “pax“.
The frescoed interiors and the imposing bell tower are beautiful. Masterpieces of medieval art, basilica and frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti represent a clear point of reference for architectural and artistic development in the world.
The other churches
Other places of undisputed beauty in Assisi are there Basilica of Santa Chiara, in Gothic style, built after the death of the saint between 1257 and 1265, of which it houses the tomb and the relics; there Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, dating back to the 11th-12th century, in Romanesque style it stands on an older building from the early Christian era; there New ChurchBaroque, in the homonymous square, next to which there is also theOratory of San Francesco Piccolino built starting from the 13th century; there Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angelisixteenth century, which contains the Porziuncolathe chapel where St. Francis used to gather in prayer.
The hermitage of prisons
On the slopes of Mount Subasio, at 790 meters above sea level, just outside Assisi, we finally find theHermitage of the Prisonsamong the most important places of worship in the area.
The site is located between natural caves already frequented by hermits in the early Christian era and welcomed St. Francis and his followers for prayers and meditations. The walk following the path of the saint is very mystical.
Holidays in Umbria, Assisi is the medieval city of eternal charm.