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| Assisi during sunset. |
Assisi is a beautiful
medieval town in the Umbria region, Central Italy. Assisi appears to be closely associated with
Saint Francis, who was born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone. He was an Italian Catholic
friar and preacher who founded the Franciscan religious order in Assisi in 1208.
San Francis Basilica
St Francis is buried at the site of the Basilica di San Francesco that is located in Assisi. The basilica that begun in 1228 is one of the great Christian shrines. A great number of pilgrims visit the basilica throughout the year. At the Basilica, one will find the tomb of St Francis in the crypt.
It appears that lovers of frescoes will delight in the visual treasures that they will see at this Basilica.
- The frescoes by Lorenzetti is worth admiring. The Deposition (1323) is based around the truncated Cross. Interestingly, the composition of The Deposition leads the viewers to focus their attention on the figure of Christ.
- Giotto's frescoes consisting of 28 panels depict the life of St Francis (c. 1290 - 1295).
- Cappella di San Martino's frescoes on the Life of St Martin (1315) is yet another set of frescoes that is one of the star features of the Basilica.
Architecturally wise, visitors could take notice that the rose window of the facade reflected the styles of early Italian Gothic. This Basilica is often visited by pilgrims.
The place to get souvenirs from Assisi is possibly the
gift-shop found within St Francis Basilica. Sales proceeds from the sale of souvenirs from this very gift-shop will be used to fund the running of the St Francis Basilica.
St Mary of the Angels
Situated in the plain at the foot of the hill of Assisi is the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (St Mary of the Angels). It was constructed in the Mannerist style of architecture by architects
Galeazzo Alessi and
Vignola. This style of architecture prefigured the theatrical Baroque style.
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The statue at the top of St Mary of the Angels.
This was taken by my friend and travel companion. |
The ambience of St Mary of the Angels is peaceful and tranquil.
Piazza del Comune
Situated in the city of the city of Assisi, this square is the social, cultural and political centre of Assisi. Make time to admire the Foro Romano (Roman forum), the Torre del Popolo (Tower of the People, Minerva's Temple (Temple of Minerva) and the fountain built by Giovanni Martinucci in 1762.
Via Portica
This street leads to St Francis Basilica. It is a beautiful street, especially in the evening.
Assisi is a tranquil medieval town. There, I have experienced a sense of peace. It is a place with good vibes.
References:
DK Eyewitness Travel: Italy. (2011)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_San_Francesco_d%27Assisi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Santa_Maria_degli_Angeli
http://www.umbria.org/assisi/assisieng/piazzaComune.htm
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-santa-maria-degli-angeli
http://tuscanyumbriavilla.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/the-basilica-of-st-francis-in-assisi-umbria/
