Assisi

Assisi is one of Italy’s most eminent towns of the wonderful Umbria region. Much of this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s fame stems from the fact Assisi was the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy’s patron saints. Today, Assisi is hailed as a ‘global symbol of peace’.

St. Francis gave up all his possessions to devote his life to helping the poor, vulnerable and in need. The town’s incredible basilica that stands high on Mount Subasio, overlooking the town and the entire valley, is dedicated to St. Francis. This huge and magnificent basilica comprises of two churches and a crypt, which houses the tomb of St. Francis. So vast is this mighty place of worship that it contains a lower basilica and an upper basilica.

The town is also devoted to selling mouth-watering products in its many delicatessens, including Umbrian dried meats and Umbrian chocolates, produced at the nearby Perugina chocolate factory. Artisans are at home in Assisi. The narrow streets are lined with quaint little shops selling local ceramics and art, as well as religious sculptures and medieval weapons.

Much of Assisi’s appeal is its position, elevated above rolling Umbrian hillsides it stretches out on the slopes of the Monte Subasio, where the plains spread picturesquely and the Topino and Chiascio rivers flow beneath. Though certainly at its heart a religious destination, it’s safe to say that even if you aren’t religious, the twinkling, Bethlehem-esque town of Assisi is a truly mesmerising place to visit.