Assisi

Informations on Assisi

The town of Assisi is known in the world for St. Francis, the Santo Poverello, and as a symbol of peace. Symbols of this religious vocation of the city are the numerous churches that arise from the old mediaval houses all over the city. Indeed watching Assisi from the plain you will see the majesty of the Basilica of St. Francis and several steeple churches inside and outside the walls. The town lies on the slopes of Mount Subasio, in a wonderful position over the Umbrian valley, between 300 and 100 metres high.

History of Assisi

The origins of the city of Assisi are uncertain. The name derives from the Roman Asisium, which has uncertain origins. Some derive it from a pre-latin word, assa, stream (as testified the river Assino, in Umbria), others derive it from the name of an animal and would mean hawk. In any case, the city was already inhabited from pre Umbrians, under the influence of the Etruscans. Remains of a shrine with bronze statues were found at the top of the hill of St. Rufino. Around 295 BC the city came under the control of Rome. In Assisi many remains of the ancient Roman town are still visible: A clear example is the Temple of Minerva, which overlooks the town's main square. Less visible, but equally fascinating, is the forum, which some identify as a sanctuary, which is under the same square and is accessible from the archaeological museum, which preserves statues and other remains found in the area. Assisi was famous in the Roman world among other things for having given birth to the famous Latin poet Propertius. After the conquest by the Lombards (or Longobards), was part of the Duchy of Spoleto. Frederick I often stayed there and established territorial boundaries. In the years following the city became increasingly autonomous, free to declare Common in 1210. In those years is the figure of Francesco di Bernardone, coming back from Perugia, were he was captured and made prisoner after the defeat at the Battle of Collestrada in 1202, who would become the future San Francesco d'Assisi. He founded a male monastic order, which was soon joined by a female one, founded by Clare of Favarone of Offreducci, better known as Saint Claire of Assisi. On the death of the saint, which took place on 3 October 1226, the construction of the lower basilica began, in simple and rigorous style. Over the next few years the higher Basilica, in Gothic style, was built. Finally after the death of Santa Chiara d'Assisi, in 1253, was the beginning of the construction of the church entitled to her. Starting from the early fourteenth century city a series of struggles between the faction of the Guelphs and Ghibellines were in Assisi, which led to a gradual decay of the city, temporarily interrupted by Cardinal Albornoz, which reconstructs the Rocca Maggiore. After the domination of some captains venture, Assisi passes under the direct control of the state of the Church, under which remains until Annexation to the kingdom of Italy.

Attractions in Assisi

A visit to Assisi necessarily from the Basilica of St. Francis, who dominates the city. You can visit the square of the municipality, with the Roman temple of Minerva and municipal buildings. Also of interest are the churches of San Rufino and St. Clare, in addition to that of Santa Maria degli Angeli, in the plain below, which contains within it the Porziuncola, built by St. Francis. You cannot miss see Hermitage of Prisons, on the Mount Subasio, and the Rocca Maggiore.

Accomodations in Assisi:

Farmhouse La Mora in Assisi

Bed and breakfast Raffiori in Assisi

Farmhouse Le Querce Di Assisi in Assisi

Farmhouse Longetti in Assisi

Farmhouse La Castellana in Assisi

Bed and breakfast Camere Gabriela in Assisi

Bed and breakfast Le tortorelle in Assisi

Bed and breakfast Madre Terra in Assisi

Holiday houses La Pergola in Assisi

Rooms La Giada in Assisi

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Frazioni of Assisi: Armenzano, Capodacqua, Castelnuovo, Colle delle Forche, Costa di Trex, Mora, Palazzo, Paradiso, Passaggio d'Assisi, Petrignano, Pieve San Nicolò, Porziano, Rivotorto, Rocca San Angelo, San Gregorio, Santa Maria degli Angeli, Santa Maria Lignano, San Presto, Sterpeto, Torchiagina, Tordandrea, Tordibetto, Viole