John & Sun-Ling Wander the Earth: Assisi

We made a day-trip by bus from Perugia to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. The bus took a meandering path between the two neighboring cities, making an hour out of a twenty minute trip but departed and arrived on time, dropping us off at the top of the town.

Being a pleasant Saturday, Assisi seemed filled with tourists and pilgrims, but the young woman at the tourist office told us it was not crowded at all compared to Easter Sunday. ;-)

We first went to the Cathedral where St Francis was baptized. Then down through town to the Basilica built to honor St Francis and house his remains. It's very dim and atmospheric with beautiful frescoes, and a stream of people parading quietly through St Francis's crypt. No photos were allowed in the St Francis Basilica, not sure why. I guess its out of respect to St Francis. However I took a few until I was busted.

We walked up the 3kms or so to the hermitage where Francis spent 5 years contemplating life. Then back down to catch the bus back to Perugia.

So, what did we think of Assisi? It's not that spiritual but not so touristy either; somewhere in between.

Assisi as seen through the bus window; The Basilica at left.