Photo Walk in Assisi (June 10, 2013)

Assisi is a medieval city on the side of a hill. 

It is best known for the Basilica honoring St. Francis (Francesca in Italian).

The current Pope has taken Francis's name, so there were lots of souvenirs featuring Papa Francesca.

A stage was set up in the piazza in front of the Basilica, which I felt really took away from the beauty of the place.

No photos were allowed inside the Basilica, which has three major sections.
This is the entrance to the Lower Basilica and the crypt.

The first monks built a church above the tomb of St. Francis.

Pilgrims preferred to be in the presence of the body, so the brothers expanded the chapel around his tomb.

Buried near him are his four most faithful brothers, and Jacopa, a woman who was at his side at the time of his death.  Her inscription reads "Brother Jacopa."

As followers of Francis increased, the Pope made him a saint, declared the church a Papal church, and a larger "upper" Basilica was built.

This is the entrance to the
Upper Basilica.  While the
Lower Church was built in the
Romanesque architecture style,
the Upper Church was one of the
first Gothic churches built
in Italy.
The Gothic style originated
in France.

The Basilica is still a Friary and as we toured, we saw several of the Brothers also giving tours.

This scultpture is called "The Return of Francis."  Before becoming a monk, Francis intended to join the Pope's armies in the Crusades, but before he reached Rome, he had a dream where God told him to return home.

This building was once a hospital to care for the many pilgrims that made their way to Assisi on foot.

The Temple of Minerva (Goddess of Wisdom) was built in the First Century, AD.  Like many of the Roman pagan temples, it was converted into a church.

It's hard for photos to convey how steep
and narrow all the streets were.

Float stretches like this were few and far between.

This is the Chiesa Nouva, built over the presumed home of St. Francis.
When I was inside, there were only a few other people.  It was quiet,
and there was either a choir practicing or soft music playing.
It was very relaxing and I enjoyed just sitting inside for a few minutes.

This statue represents the parents of St. Francis.

The decorations of this arch feature turkeys, an obvious sign that it was built and decorated after the discovery of the New World, since turkeys are native to North America.

This is the Basilica of St. Claire.  She was a follower of St. Francis.

This Basilica is home to a convent
founded by St. Claire.

A Medieval gate marks the boundaries of the old city walls.

A castle overlooks the city.

The view from the courtyard in front of St. Claire's is breathtaking.

One of the students said, "Wow.  I don't want to take a picture, I might steal it's soul."

Olive trees on the hillside.

The city and Basilica at night, as viewed from our hotel below.