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Assisi in
Umbria, Italy - Travel Guide
and Assisi tourist information
Travel resources for Assisi,
Travel information about Assisi, on line travel guide to Assisi. Plan your
tour and
vacation in Assisi |
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Assisi,
in Umbria,is one
of Italy's top sights. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint
of Italy, symbol of peace around the world and the Italy's major religious
pilgrimage destination. In Assisi you will meet Giotto and Cimabue face to
face. Assisi preserves many remains of roman age and many ancient
buildings, monuments and obviously churches.
Sights to see in
Assisi:
- The Basilica of St. Francis: The church was
built in 1228 and it is a very imposing building. It consists of 2
overlapped churches. The lower church hosts the sarcophagus of the Saint
and preserves many fresco cycles by Simone Martini and Ambrogio
Lorenzetti, representing scenes of St. Francis' life and Passion of our
Lord . They are rated as one of the most important samples of Italian
art. The upper church, in gothic style, has the transept decorated with
a fresco cycle of the "Crucifixion" by Cimabue. Notable is the famous
fresco cycle of 28 events of St. Francis' life by Giotto. More frescoes
on the walls are by artists of the Roman school.
- Piazza del Comune: In the center of the old
town is the typical medieval square, with a sixteenth-century
fountain surrounded by 3 stone lions statues. On the southern side of
the square there is the "Palazzo dei Priori", seat of the town hall,
built in 1337. On the other side is the "palazzo del Capitano del Popolo"
characterized by the high "Torre del Popolo". Next to it is the "Tempio
di Minerva", an ancient building dating back to the 1st century B.C.,
which has been converted into a church.
- The Duomo: Imposing building with austere
Romanesque frontal. Three richly carved portals and three nice rose
windows. In the interior many works of art and an adjacent museum which
hosts paintings and church ornaments. Outside the " Cripta" there are
preserved various remains of ancient frescoes and a Roman sarcophagus
carved in the third century A.D.
- Rocca Maggiore: On a rocky hilltop rises the
medieval fortress, built in 1353 by the Cardinal Albornoz. Visitors can
enjoy a breathtaking view of Assisi and the surrounding valley.
- The Basilica of Santa Chiara: In gothic style,
it was built in 1257. Pink and white elegant façade with very nice rose
window. Interiors with many important works of art.
Outside the city walls:
- The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli: It is
situated 5 km from Assisi, at the foot of the town. It is one of the
most important sanctuaries of Italy and it stands in the place where St.
Francis died. Imposing and elegant building, It hosts a wide collection
of paintings and works of art by Andrea della Robbia. Under the dome is
the " Cappella della Porziuncola" a simple oratory decorated by 3rd
century frescoes. On the right side is the famous " Roseto" ( Rose
garden) with thornless roses. The ancient refectory hosts the "Museo
della Porziuncola" and has a large exhibit of vestments, liturgical
objects and works of art.
Remember that generally, churches and sanctuaries are open to visitors
every day from 6.30/7.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00/14.30 until sunset.
Exceptions: The Basilica of S. Francesco, which in the period of April -
October remains open from dawn until sunset. Access to the
churches is reserved to visitors in decent clothing only.
- Museums in Assisi:
Porziuncola Museum: Assisi (Perugia) - Basilica di Santa Maria degli
Angeli
Treasure and Collection F. M. Perkins Museum Assisi (Perugia) - Basilica
di S. Francesco.
Municipal Art Gallery Assisi (Perugia) - Palazzo Vallemani, via San
Francesco
Roman Forum and Archaeological Collection Assisi
- Events and Festivals in Assisi:
Procession of the dead of Christ (Holy week)
Antique fair and market (Apr - May)
Calendimaggio (first Thursday of May) : Historic commemoration of
medieval and renaissance lifestyle in period costumes. For the occasion,
theatral spectacles, concerts, songs, dances, parades, exhibitions of
bowmen, crossbowmen and flagwavers. During the feasts two ancient
medieval factions clash in a relentless and absorbing competition. All
the city shines with the streets decorated by torches, flags, stendards
and floral decorations.
Festival del Voto: (June )
Festival of St. Rufino ans S. Chiara . (August)
Festival of St. Francis (Oct 3 - 4 )
- Location
The town of Assisi is located at the centre of the Italian peninsula in
Umbria Region, 27 km southeast of Perugia and 203 km north of Rome. It
is easy to reach and it is well linked by highway roads.
Assisi by car:
arriving from north: leave the Motorway A1 at the Val di Chiana exit.
arriving from south: leave the Motorway A1 at the Orte exit.
Assisi by train
arriving from north: the line is Florence- Rome, changing in "Terontola"
and take the line "Terontola-Perugia-Foligno" ;
arriving from south: the line is " Rome - Ancona", changing in "Foligno"
and take the line "Foligno-Perugia-Terontola".
The closest railway stations are Perugia and Foligno :
Train schedules
Assisi by air: International flights to Rome - Domestic flights to Perugia
Traffic and parking within the town-walls is allowed for only a
few hours per day. The access to the historical center is nevertheless
allowed for drop-off and retrieval of luggage at the hotels. Parking in
the historical center during traffic opening hours is limited to one
hour only.
It is highly recommended to leave the car outside the town-walls,
although there is only one free parking site outside Porta S.Giacomo
along Viale Albornoz. The parking site is linked with the center by
mini-buses. Still outside the town-center lie the major pay
parking-sites such as Porta Nuova (linked to the centre by escalators)
and the underground parking site of Piazza Matteotti from where you may
easily walk to the center.
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