and its history date back to the Umbri, a people who are believed to
have been the original inhabitants of Umbria. Although
the facts about their history are debatable, it appears that the Umbri were conquered by
the Etruscans in the 5th or 4th century B.C.
visitors, however, the early history is unimportant as Assisi has
been made famous by its native son, Saint Francis, who was the
founder of the Franciscan Order and also known as the patron saint of
animals and ecology.
The Basilica of
St. Francis, which includes the remains of St. Francis of Assisi,
and the Sacro Convento comprise Assisi's famous religious shrine.
See both the Upper and Lower Basilicas as both are interesting and
beautiful. If you make the stop, also see the Basilica of St.
Claire, which, for a time housed the body of St. Francis, and now is
dedicated to St. Claire who converted upon hearing St. Francis
preach. Assisi is an active pilgrimage town for Catholics, so
expect larger crowds here than you will find in many of Umbria's
The left photograph
shows the castle fortifications in Assisi called the Rocca
Maggiori (Major Fortress). The castle was built in the 12th
century and later altered to include the tower seen at the end
of the rampart. On the right, is one of a number of pleasant
street scenes that you will see in Assisi.
From the Piazza del Comune in
Assisi you can see the Palazzo Capitano del Popolo (the clock tower on the left)
and the Temple of Minerva (the columned building). The Temple dates
from the 1st century BC.
Other towns in Umbria that you might enjoy include:
If you need information about another travel destination, try
Destination Guide Index
or Googling ThereArePlaces.
Best Places to Visit in Italy
Top of Page