This is our last full day with our dear friends who are heading back to the States tomorrow. What better place to experience today than Assisi!

Assisi is about an hour’s drive from Paciano. We take the drive along the lake to jump on the highway. Once off the highway the drive approaching Assisi is quite picturesque. We plan on parking at the top of the town, reasonably priced and very convenient, and quite a beautiful, scenic drive, with an amazing view of the basilica as we pass by.

Regardless of where you fall on the religious spectrum, there is truly something about this place that moves you. Amidst the pilgrims from all over the world and the hawkers selling cheap souvenirs, there is a sense of calm that resonates throughout. It really is a special place.

The Basillica di San Francesco d’Assisi sits at the lower end of town so we have some walking to do. Pace is everything! Our first stop is the Cathedral of San Rufino, also known as Assisi Cathedral. St. Francis and St. Claire were baptized here in the 12th century. The architecture is striking.

As we continue our stroll, we come to the main piazza at about the halfway point to the basilica. Here you will find the Temple of Minerva. The temple was built in the 1st century B.C., and the facade has been preserved with six Corinthian columns supporting the main architrave. It currently houses the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, which was built over the temple.

We continue our walk until we reach the Basilica. It is built into the side of a hill and is comprised of two churches, the Upper Church and the Lower Church and a crypt, where you find the remains of St. Francis. The frescoes that decorate both churches were painted by several late medieval painters. The crypt is somber and quite moving.

We take a leisurely pace back to the upper section of town and soak in some of the beauty that surrounds us. We grab a gelato and begin to make our way back to Paciano!! We plan on dining al fresco tonight at La Loggetta, a perfect ending to a perfect day.