Day trip to Assisi

We took the train, which they've made buying tickets super easy with self-service machines in about 5 languages, from Perugia to Assisi in the afternoon and then grabbed a taxi to get up into Assisi.  The view entering the town, specifically of the Basilica of St Francis, was the architectural view I've been waiting for.  Stunning how the church and surrounding square with its columns and arches, were build on the side of the hill.

We proceeded up the hill in the taxi to start the visit and then walked down to the main attraction.  We stopped at a couple churches including Basilica di Santa Chiara, note the rose colored stone on the building.  Much of the town was highlighted with the stone as it was build from the surrounding area and provides an almost rosy hue to the town, quite appropriate for St Francis' hometown.  The church was pretty and the large circular window was all stained glass, truly beautiful from the inside.

We meandered the town a bit, stopping for an espresso and letting the crowds continue to depart.  By the time we made it down to St Francis' basilica there were far less people than I imagined, thankfully.

Note the Italian Soldier standing in the far left of the picture.  Operation Strade Sicure is alive and functioning well in nearly every historic and important spot within Italy.  The operation has been underway for about a decade and appears successful, the Italians don't take any crap in this regard.  As the new government takes office and imposes a hardline while on the frontline of the Middle Eastern and African immigration situation these men and women in uniform will continue to provide a valuable security presence, ensuring the treasures in Italy are here for generations to come.

The Basilica of St Francis was beautiful inside, no pictures permitted.  I'm sure the Google will find you what you need.  It was a solemn place, likely far too ornate for Francis' liking, but from what I've read about the man it is deserved.  His humble service is a good lesson for all, and his burial site in the bottom of the church, literally two floors down from where Kathie is standing in the picture above, lacks the ornate jewels and such in that so many other crypts contain.  

We only spent about 4 hours in total visiting Assisi, as with any place you could spend as much time as desired.  It is a nice little town, clean and full of shops to buy every trinket or item you'd want.  And there's plenty of places in town to "get your Jesus on."

Ciao a tutti!