Visit to the magnificent basilica of St Francis
Trip Start
Jan 01, 2013
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Trip End
Dec 31, 2012
Where I stayed
What I did
Basilica of San Francisco d'Assisi
Assisi, Umbria, Italy
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
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Sep 5: We explored the gem of Umbria today, the historic town of Assisi (pronounced assizi). Assisi is a medieval hill town, and it became famous for St Francis of Assisi and the superlative basilica. The two medieval castles dominate the town. The larger castle, Rocca Maggiore, was meant to intimidate the people, and was built by Cardinal Albornoz (1367) and added to by Popes Pius II and Paul III. The smaller castle was built during the Roman era. The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (aka St Francis of Assisi is buried here) is a Franciscan monastery completed in 1253, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Francis was born here in 1181, gave up his family's wealth, founded the men's Franciscan Order, and the women's Order of St Clare. St Francis was never ordained into Catholic priesthood, but is one of the most venerated figures of history.
