After breakfast at the hotel, our group boarded a charter bus and headed southeast to Assisi. The drive there was filled with yellow sunflower fields and peaceful lakes. Our first impression of Assisi was one of excitement. The picturesque town sits upon a hill overlooking a valley, invoking reverent serenity. We got our first glimpse of the town walking up to the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis, and we toured this intricate church dedicated to the life of Assisi’s patron saint. Inside were two levels: a lower Byzantine section with Giotto frescos covering the walls (our favorite was a fresco of Saint Mary with a gig’em hand sign) and an upper section where Giotto began the movement of realism that carried through into the Renaissance. This church was beautiful, but it was only the first of three churches we were introduced to in Assisi. Our tour of the town continued to Santa Chiara, a basilica dedicated to Saint Clare, who was the close friend of Saint Francis. Santa Chiara held beautiful relics from the lives of these two saints, such as garments and hair that belonged to them. Elsbeth especially loved the pink limestone that constituted the facade of the church because it was from local deposits. The third church we went to was San Rufino Cathedral, the seat of the bishop. This cathedral was close to the top of the hill, and it was only a short walk to our delicious lunch.
Following the meal, the group split up to explore Assisi. Many went shopping, while a large group climbed up the tower of the medieval castle Rocca Maggiore. This building offered an amazing 360 view of the Tuscan countryside on a sunny and windy day. After perusing the lavender and Catholic gift shops located throughout the town, the group traveled down to Santa Maria del Angeli, the site where St.Francis built the church Jesus asked him to in a vision. This was a unique place as inside the large main building was a smaller church. The simple characteristics of Santa Maria served to emphasize the significance of the original church built by St.Francis.
After traveling home, our group enjoyed dinner and gelato after another busy day. Both Elsbeth and I wish we could stay longer in Assisi, but at least we have a reason to come back.
Ciao for now,
Elsbeth Chow ’22 and Erin Nugent ‘22
