Assisi Vacations, Umbria, Italy

Assisi, Italy can be found is the Perugia province in the Umbria Region. This area is known for its breath-taking countryside and rich history. Assisi is also known as the birthplace of St. Francis that founded the Franciscan religious order in 1208 and St. Chiara d'Offreducci that founded Poor Clares. During the 19th century, Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was also born here.

Visitors flock Assisi every year to capture a bit of the past by visiting such historic landmarks as the two medieval castles. The most popular is the Rocca Maggiore. It is a very large castle that was built in 1367 by Cardinal Alvornoz and then later Popes Pius II and Paul III added other sections.

The main attraction of Assisi, Italy is the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi or St. Francis. The monastery and the upper and lower church construction was began shortly after his canonization in 1228; however, it took until 1253 to complete. Today, the lower church is a museum that houses such medieval artists as Giotto and Cimabue. The upper church includes frescos of scenes that depict the life of St. Francis by Giotto and others.

Other attractions include:

The Porziuncola Museum situated within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

The Cathedral Museum and Crypt of St Rufino, which is home to archaeological remains, religious vestments, and unique paintings is adventure through time.

The Municipal Art Gallery is located in the Palazzo Vallermani. Some of the artwork was created by artists such as Andrea d'Assisi, Puccio Capanna, and Giotto.

The Treasure Museum and F.M. Perkins collection can be found in the Basilica of Saint Francis. Here you will love all the unique paintings, wooden sculptures, medieval glazed majiolicas, sinopiae, ivories, cloths, tapestries and unique gold work.

As you can see, Assisi, Italy has much to offer anyone that steps into this charming and historical town. From majestic beauty to artwork, from history to modern restaurants with exquisite cuisine, Assisi has something for everyone.

About the Author:

Paolo Mic -

Assisi, Gubbio, Bastia and Umbra. > http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-umbria.it

Things To Do and See in Assisi

Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi
This Basilica is a treasure trove of paintings by such masters as

Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti, Cimabue, Giotto and many others.
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

Eremo della Carceri, Assisi
The retreat high in the mountains above Assisi where St. Francis frequently

stayed to meditate and pray.
Attraction type: Historic site; Landmark/point of interest; Religious site

Duomo di San Rufino, Assisi
First built as early as the 5th century, this historic church features the

baptismal font of St. Francis, St. Clare and Emperor Frederick II.
Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building

Santa Chiara, Assisi
Built onto the original Chapel of St. George, this Cathedral is where

St. Clare of Assisi was buried in a crypt in 1872.
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi
This Basilica was started in 1569 to the designs of Galeazzo Alessi,

and features a statue of the Madonna in bronze gilt by G. Colasanti

and an interior whose architectural style is Doric.
Attraction type: Architectural building; Religious site

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