ASSISI
Assisi, protected by the western spur of
Monte Subasio (1.290 m), dominates the evocative valley of Topino
and Chiascio.
Its medieval appearance, boasting narrow, tortuous
and often steep streets, a mystical and peaceful atmosphere,
Franciscan remains
and numerous operas of art, make Assisi one of the most frequented
Meta’s for pilgrims and tourists alike. There are numerous,
evocative and traditional celebrations in Assisi, for example
during Holy Week, the night of May Day and during the Forgiveness
of Assisi.
In the vicinity we can find the San Francesco Monastery, also
known as Le Carceri (The Gaols.)
In September 1997, Assisi suffered grave damage due to an
earthquake which destroyed numerous Umbrian and Marchigiani
areas. The face of the Basilica Superiore della Chiesa di
San Francesco (the High Cathedral of the Church of S. Francis)
partially collapsed, also causing human victims. Many works
of art were damaged. Apart from the Cathedral of San Francesco,
the Cathedral of San Ruffino, the Church of San Giorgio, Santa
Maria Maggiore and the Abbey of San Pietro also suffered damage.
Restoration work began immediately and today, many of those
damaged buildings have been restored, where possible, to their
original state.
This wonderful place known in ancient times as Asisium,
meaning centre of Umbrian areas, was the Roman Town Hall and
a flourishing free Commune during medieval times. Despite
a tenacious resistance, it fell under the domination of Perugia
and became the subject of various dominations until it fell
directly under that of the Church. The Latin poet Properzio,
and Saints Francis (1181) and Chiara (1198) were born here.
Dante also sang about it, referring to it by the name of Ascesi
(par., XI, 53).
The Romaness of Assisi is shown by the Temple of Minerva (now
Saint Maria above Minerva, in the main square and also remembered
in one of the frescoes depicting the story of St. Francis
in the Cathedral dedicated to the Saint), by the Forum, a
theatre and an amphitheatre, and by a house with frescoes.
Its medieval houses, which were also gravely damaged in the
seismic activity of ’97, are closely positioned in the
small public squares, the public buildings (the Capitano del
Popolo, Dei Consoli, Dei Priori), the arcade of the Monte
Frumentario (1267) and the Romanesque and Gothic churches
of San Rufino (Cathedral), Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giacomo,
San Giorgio (in the Santa Chiara Convent), Santa Maria delle
Rose, San Pietro, Santa Chiara.
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