Italy 2023

#9, Florence to Assisi

Our early morning train left Florence station right on time, as we expected. Rapidly sweeping across the countryside, I enjoyed the green fields and passing landscape. At the Terontola station we deboarded and awaited another train that would complete our trip into Assisi.

Arriving in Assisi, the old city stood up on a high hillside which necessitated having a taxi drive us into that ancient city. Then walking up the stone streets to St. Francis Cathedral we toured inside. As with nearly all the churches, it was outstandingly beautiful. 

This cathedral is named after the hallowed St. Francis, a major saint in the Catholic religion. Pat, well read about history, filled us in on the man. Beginning with his upscale and wealthy family, St. Francis was a carefree, one might say self-centered spoiled rich boy. Life experiences led to his conversion and denouncement of his well to do upbringing vowing a life of poverty. 

Besides the beautiful interior of the cathedral, there are numerous paintings and sculptures. More that 85% of the population were illiterate, the priests and monks being those with education. From the paintings and frescoes the priests and monks told the stories accompanying each, thus educating the poor about the life of Christ and Christianity. One might say these were the first comic books, where people received their knowledge of the religion by way of the pictures.

The body of St. Francis along with several of his friends are buried sixty feet beneath the cathedral. This was done to prevent the theft of his body.

The cathedral, sitting high up on a hill commands a picturesque view of the surrounding area, opening wide to the countryside, fields and homes below. Assisi with its steep steps and hilly streets were a bit challenging but so very pretty. 

The town square is where we met and enjoyed an afternoon libation, or two, as we watched the passing scene. Mark and I wandered about more including checking out the Temple of Minerva with its six Corinthian columns. It was built by the Romans in the first century BC. Over the centuries it has undergone various uses, including as a government building. Currently it is a church.

Already late in the day we taxied back to the train station and waited for our  7:30 p.m. train carrying us back to Florence. Arriving after 10 p.m., we taxied back to the B&B, calling it a day.

More views around Assisi. Click on a photo for full size image and slideshow of all.