Medieval Assisi – a little bit spiritual, a whole lot touristy and even more hilly
Perched atop a hill in central Umbria, Italy is the quaint little town of Assisi. Reachable by train, bus and automobile, only those brave enough will attempt on bicycle as the hill gets steeper the higher you go.
Being the birth place of San Francesco (Saint Francis), be prepared for the hordes of tourists and pilgrims who come to the city to revel in the serenity of this extremely spiritual town and see the saints final resting place, a tomb beautifully designed with dim lighting, candles burning and pews for quiet reflection. Just 44 years old when he died, the pope declared him a saint just two years after his death.
Telling a tourist from a local isn’t hard in this town; only the visitors marvel at the churches and snap photos of flower boxes. From the residents of Assisi, only a few make home within the city walls, as most choose to live outside where the hustle and bustle is less, the rent is cheaper and there are more places to park a car.
Although getting to know the locals in this town may prove harder than first thought, as many of them see the tourism industry of the town only as a form of business, and few will take the time of day to welcome you to the place they call home. Stop for coffee and instead of sitting at the outdoor tables to people watch (as we all are guilty of doing), stand at the bar and chat with the barrister, if your Italian isn’t quite up to scratch most will speak enough English to make themselves understood, and if you find yourself stuck for questions enquire how long they’ve lived in the town – most will say since birth. Not only will you stand out from the other tourists as someone not only passing through but actually interested in the people who make the town run, you will also save yourself a Euro or two.
Inside the city walls you will find many stores selling not only the usual overpriced snow globe and coffee cup, but a widespread variety of specialty stores; from stationary to baby clothes, and applique cushions to hand turned chess sets. Filter through the generic items for sale and find something unique to remember your time here, whether it be a pin-badge with the red and blue flag of Assisi, or a handmade cross symbolising St. Francis and what he did for his home town community.
To get a feel of the town spend at least a few days there; catch the orange bus to the top and walk your way down, visiting the various churches along the way, take photos of the view from the high church at Basilica di San Francesco, enjoy the variety of flowers arranged neatly in pots below windows and around doors, and watch the sun set over Perugia in the distance. Of an evening leave the city walls and gaze back up the hill towards Assisi purely just to see the city lights all sparkle atop the hill.
Take your time in this small city. Sip the wine of Chianti, sample the locally prepared meats (pork is a favourite of the area), and of course enjoy the gelato (if you find it in metal containers rather than plastic ones it will most likely be homemade).
Enjoy, best wishes and buon voyage!