Assisi (Umbria)

Assisi - Umbria

Assisi rises on a promontory of Mount Subasio, few kilometeres away from Perugia and Spoleto. Despite its roman origins, today the look of Assisi’s buildings and urban fabric, has been certainly determined by its medieval development. The ancient centre of Assisi was defended by eight fortified entrances and by city walls. We can still find in a good condition part of the walls connecting Rocca Albornotz, rebuild by cardinal Albornotz in XIV century, to Rocca Minore. Assisi is every year the destination of pilgrims from all over the world for the mainly for the importance of its religious buildings: Saint Francis Cathedral, the Churches of Saint Claire and Saint Peter. The first was erected in XIII century, the second one, a bit older, it’s decorated by a beautiful portal and three rose windows. The Dome, dedicated to Patron San Rufino, still maintains unchanged the facade with sculptures and relieves. The inside underwent to drastic changes during the centuries which have modified the original XIII century structure. In the central square of Assisi, situated on the ancient area of the Roman Forum, we can admire the Priori palace (1337), the twelve hundred “Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo” and the Temple of Minerva, build in the Augustan period, with its Corinthian capitals still well preserved. Nearby the centre of the city it’s possible to visit some places connected to Saint Francis life, like the Eremo delle Carceri, plunged in the green woods of Mount Subasio, and the Convent of San Damiano. Going downhill from Assisi we encounter the city of S. Maria degli Angeli, were there's an impressive Basilica, projected by Alessi, between XVI and XVII century. It's the Basilica of S. Maria degli Angeli, containing the Porziuncola. The main city event is the Calendimaggio, a traditional festival announcing the arrival of spring; it takes place every year in May.

Festivals / Events: UmbriaJazz - Eurochocholate - Spoleto Festival - Giostra della Quintana - Ceri Festival - Trasimeno Blues - Infiorata of Spello.