Next Stop: Assisi

This past Sunday, September 11, we were lucky enough to venture to Assisi as a class trip. Just 2 hours outside of Rome by train, this small town proved to have a large history. Home of Italy’s patron saint, Saint Francis, Assisi has some of the most beautiful and important churches in Christianity, including the Basilica of Saint Francesco, the Basilica of Santa Chiara, and the Church of San Damiano.

The story of Assisi is quite fascinating. Saint Francis was born in the town of Assisi to a merchant. One day, he had a vision saying he must help rebuild, which he took to mean he must rebuild the roofs of the churches which were falling apart. He started to do so, but still was not content with his life. He had another vision, and it was clarified that what Francis must rebuild was his life. He got rid of his worldly possessions and went to rebuild the Church of San Damiano, which had recently been destroyed. He helped those less fortunate than himself, such as the lepers, with the help of Chiara, also known as Saint Claire. The town of Assisi is now dedicated to its patron saints, Chiara and Francis. Our group was fortunate enough to have a priest talk to us and tell us the story of Saint Francis upon our arrival in the Church of San Damiano, which Francis rebuilt, and which later housed Saint Claire and her sister Saint Agnes upon their fleeing of Assisi.

Not only is this town historically and religiously fascinating , but it holds one of the most astonishing views. While the hike can be treacherous, the view of the town from the top of the hill is breathtakingly beautiful, well worth the hike. Assisi is truly something that everyone must see see.

View upon entering the city

Fresco on the side of a building

View from the Basilica of Saint Francis

Yet another incredible view of Assisi

Stained glass in the Basilica of Saint Francis

Basilica of Saint Francis

There was a pilgrimage from Tuscany to Assisi the day we visited

The fresco above the altar in the Basilica of Saint Francis

Portait of Jesus in chalk on the sidewalk

The view from the top of the hill