About this experience
I invite you to take a guided tour of Assisi - the spiritual capital of Umbria, the second largest religious center of Catholicism after the Vatican. The city, with a population of 30,000 people, is a miniature medieval settlement on the southern slope of Mount Subasio and preserves many monuments and stories that I am going to introduce you to.
What to expect
We will see frescoes by great masters of Italian Gothic art - Giotto, Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and others. As well as monuments from different eras: the ancient Roman temple of the goddess Minerva, the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo with a high tower from the 14th century - symbols of the medieval city commune, the crypt of St. Nicholas, where the Roman Museum is located. Through an underground passage of the museum, you can reach the Roman forum, which played an important role in the political, economic, and social life of the city.
We will visit churches and basilicas, as well as explore all the places closely related to the most important episodes of Francis's life: S. Francesco Piccolino, where he was born, the cathedral of San Rufino, where St. Francis, St. Clare, Frederick II of Swabia were baptized, the parental home, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Francis renounced wealth.
Here was born and found eternal rest Saint Francis, the patron saint of Italy, the founder of the Franciscan order, and one of the most influential religious figures of the medieval era. Every year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world come here to pray before the holy relics. It is said that Saint Francis helps all those in need regardless of their faith and confession. The atmosphere of the city of Assisi is filled with spirituality, and every corner, every stone bears the imprint of the existence of the saint - I will tell you the story of his life and how it intertwines with the history of the city.
Important events you can attend:
- The "Spring Arrival Festival" or "May Calends" ("Calendimaggio") is celebrated in Assisi every year on the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of May. On these days, numerous festive events take place, including: palio, historical parade, musical and theatrical performances.
- The "Festival of Forgiveness" takes place every year in Assisi from noon on August 1st to midnight on August 2nd. To receive forgiveness for all sins, one must confess, receive communion, and say prayers. The "Assisi Forgiveness" can be requested not only for oneself but also for the deceased.
Organizational details
You can reach the city of Assisi by train without changes from Rome (2.5 hours), Florence (2 to 3 hours), Terni (about 1 hour). From the train station to the center of Assisi, you can take a city bus, which runs approximately every 30 minutes, with a travel time of 13 minutes.
Oleg
May 9, 2024
Really enjoyed the pilgrimage town of Assisi! Thanks to Elena, we learned a lot of new and interesting information. The material is well-structured, nothing unnecessary, we managed to see a lot in 3 hours. Definitely recommend the tour with Elena in Assisi!
Igor
September 28, 2023
The description of the tour fully corresponds to what we saw and heard. It was more important for us to get to know the life of St. Francis of Assisi better - and Elena emphasized this part. Although she also managed to show the city itself. Elena is a wonderful storyteller, she knows the subject an...
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Irina
March 18, 2023
Many thanks to Elena for the wonderful tour