ASSISI INTRODUCTION, Introduction

Hi, my name’s Rick, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World: Assisi.

Assisi is one of the most enchanting places in Italy.

This small, agreeable medieval town sits on the western flank of Mount Subasio, and its privileged position looking onto the Umbrian Valley allows visitors to admire breath-taking views of gentle plains, lush, green hills and low mountains.

As you wander through the streets and lanes of the age-old town center, you’ll be charmed by the beautiful churches, well-preserved, ancient buildings and views of the hills and the plain below. Make sure you don’t forget your camera: you’ll get some fabulous photos to look back on!

There are times here when you’ll feel as if time came to a halt centuries ago.

As you know, Assisi is famous above all for San Francesco, or Saint Francis, who was born and died here. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to admire numerous buildings connected with the saint, such as the marvelous basilica, the house where he was born, or the place he retired to in order to assist the lepers. Alternatively, you can head out to the woods where he used to go and pray, or to a number of other fascinating spots.

Unfortunately, on 26 September 1997, Assisi was struck by a powerful earthquake, which severely damaged a number of the sights, including the Basilica. However, largely thanks to the tremendous solidarity demonstrated by numerous technical experts, restorers, volunteers and believers from all over Italy and indeed the world, the Basilica was able to re-open to the public just 2 years later.

Finally, make sure you take a walk along at least a part of the famous three-kilometer-long Brick Road that runs between Assisi and Santa Maria degli Angeli, for a chance to admire some extraordinary views of Assisi and its splendid landscape.

An interesting fact: near the tomb of Saint Francis inside the Basilica, you can see the “Votive Lamp of the Municipalities of Italy". It was lit for the first time on 4 October 1939, when Pope Pius XII proclaimed Saint Francis the patron saint of Italy: since then, the oil required to keep it alight is donated each year by a different municipality in Italy.

So get ready to visit the wonders of this splendid city.

Enjoy your stay!