Ciao! I'm Laura.
  • Journal
  • About
  • Writing
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Journal
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Writing
  • Contact

Ciao Amalfi

Italy, Travel Inspirations · May 18, 2010

Travel Inspirations: A visit to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi

Sometimes it’s hard to put into words how the places we live and travel to become a part of who we are. I’ve been enjoying the Travel Inspirations series here on Ciao Amalfi, because it’s given us all a chance to hear tales from some great travel writers around the web. Last week Cherrye Moore told us about her hometown, and before that we’ve visited Italy with Robin Locker, England & Italy with Lisa Fantino,  Naxos, Greece with Mike Sowden, Hiroshima with Abigail King and Australia’s Gold Coast with Cecil Lee. This week we’re back in Italy as Danielle Russo from WhenInRomeTours.com takes us to the peaceful destination of Assisi in Umbria.

Welcome, Danielle!

____________________________

 

In Italy, there is no shortage of works of art and natural beauty that will impress and maybe even astound you. Still, there is something unique about the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi that I have never experienced in Italy or anywhere else. Though not a devout Catholic (far from it, actually), when I entered this shrine to St. Francis I felt a wonderful feeling of tranquility. For a few moments, I too felt holy!

 

Assisi_number1

 

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the mother church of the Franciscan order of Friars and one of the most important destinations for religious pilgrimages in Italy.

St. Francis is one of two patron saints of Italy (the other is Santa Caterina di Siena). When he was young, Francis was mocked for his charity towards the poor, and eventually renounced his patrimony, his father, and even his own clothes. He was inspired by the sermon of Matthew10:9, in which Jesus urges his followers to go forward with “neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses” and devoted himself to a life of poverty.

The foundation of this Basilica to honor this saint began in 1228 and is built into a hill, divided into three main areas. The upper level, the lower level, and the crypt where the remains of St. Francis are buried. The church is covered from top to bottom with frescoes by medieval Italian masters such as Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Cavallini.

 

assisi_number2

When visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis, be sure to see:

1. The tomb of St. Francis: The saint’s remains are above the altar in a stone box with iron clamps.

2. Relic Chapel: Here you can see a plate and chalice used by St. Francis for the eucharist, a prayer he wrote, and papal document legitimizing the Franciscan order.

3. The frescoes by Giotto on the upper level of the church.

Useful info:

The Basilica of St. Francis became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000.

There is no charge to visit this church. The hours of the Basilica are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, although some parts of the church may open earlier and some will close later. See the website for full details.

____________________________

Danielle Russo is a coordinator of Rome and Vatican Tours. She lives in Rome, Italy and writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance as well as WhenInRomeTours.com.

Posted In: Italy, Travel Inspirations · Tagged: Assisi, Blogosphere, Guest Post, Italy, my menu, Travel Inspirations, Umbria

You’ll Also Love

Intrepid Naples with Carla Coulson
Mayfair in London Fortumn and MasonSmitten with Mayfair!
Book Review | InterRail by Alessandro Gallenzi

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

A Magical Evening of Tango on the Amalfi Coast

Trending Now

  • ciao-amalfi-winter-things-to-do Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the Winter – 5 Things You Need to Know
  • Amalfi Coast Beaches Colourful Sun Umbrellas at the Marina Grande Beach in Amalfi - Horizontal A Guide to the Beaches of Amalfi
  • Amalfi Coast Webcams New Live Streaming Webcams of Amalfi!
  • Amalfi Coast Travel Positano Beach Spiagga Grande A Guide to the Beaches of Positano

Ciao!

My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

Ciao Amalfi

  • Journal
  • Moon Amalfi Coast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

Amalfi Coast

  • Amalfi
  • Positano
  • Ravello
  • Amalfi Coast

Explore

  • Travel
  • History & Culture
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping

Laura Thayer

  • About
  • Writing
  • Book Reviews
  • Work with Me

Latest on Instagram

Hello June! I couldn’t think of a better start t Hello June! I couldn’t think of a better start than watching the sun come up over the mountains in Amalfi. I also noticed that one of the first places the sun hits is the @anantaraconventodiamalfi. ☀️
The blue hour in Amalfi this evening. 💙 The blue hour in Amalfi this evening. 💙
Today is an unspeakably sad day for the Amalfi Coa Today is an unspeakably sad day for the Amalfi Coast after the tragic bus accident this morning in Ravello where Nicola Fusco, a young bus driver only 29 years old, lost his life. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause and I won’t share the upsetting details. The road to Ravello is currently closed and it’s not clear when it will reopen. Nicola was a kind, talented, and experienced driver—the third generation of drivers in his family—a family very close to ours. My husband has been a guide with all three generations and watched Nicola grow up. This is something that shouldn’t happen, shouldn’t ever happen, but it’s something we all fear here. Our hearts are with the Fusco family and to everyone who Nicola’s life touched. 🖤
It sounds like New Year’s Eve outside with firew It sounds like New Year’s Eve outside with fireworks and celebrations for the Naples soccer team wining the championship for the first time in 33 years. To say this is a big deal for the fans doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’ve been watching videos from Amalfi, Sorrento, Ischia and all around Campania. Here was a quiet moment in Atrani before the celebrations began. ⚽️
Requisite Vespa shot with a twist. Let the 6-month Requisite Vespa shot with a twist. Let the 6-month check-ups begin! 🏥

#breastcancersurvivor #breastcancer #tumorealseno
Finally a break in the rain today in Amalfi! Time Finally a break in the rain today in Amalfi! Time to stop and admire the rain puddles.
From my tiny home in the middle of Amalfi, you can From my tiny home in the middle of Amalfi, you can’t see the sea. Growing up in the Midwest and Florida and then spending 12 years with a sweeping view of the sea here from Scala, I’ve long been accustomed to watching the weather. A storm coming feels like danger while a storm passing by out at sea is exhilarating - close enough to capture the energy but not to cause harm. 

Since we moved down the mountain to Amalfi, the main thing I’ve missed is being able to watch the weather. When the weather turns stormy it’s a gamble on whether a break in the rain will last a few moments or long enough to take my favorite walk along the port, out and back each of the piers. While I don’t mind a walk in the rain, if the wind is blowing too strong for an umbrella, timing the break in the rain becomes more essential. 

This morning I woke early to rain pouring down, but before long there was a break. Would it be long enough? I checked the weather app on my phone to see the temperature and forecast. But, like water to a cormorant, I’ve always been a little bit impervious to numbers. Given the chance, my favorite forecast is by stepping outside. I opened the door and stuck my head out. Far above the seagulls were swirling around, their calls a reminder of just how close the sea is even when I can’t see it. As they taunted and laughed at the weather high above, it seemed like a break I could trust.

I slipped on my shoes and jacket and headed out for a pre-breakfast walk. I didn’t make it all the way to the end of the port before sprinkles arrived, but ducking through the arched passageways and side streets I made it home just before the gulls were hushed and the rain came down again.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 Ciao Amalfi · Theme by 17th Avenue