The City of Saint Francis
We
rose early in the morning and drove south through the Tuscan country
side, passing hill-top villages, neat vineyards, fruit and olive
orchards, and long rows of tall, thin trees. Soon we came to
Assisi,
the home town of
Saint Francis, founder of the
Franciscan monastic order.
The city is dominated by the 13th century Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. The rest of the town looks as if very little has changed since then. The view out over the countryside from the hilltop is quite stunning.
The Basilica
The Basilica is in two parts. The lower is a crypt, the upper is a gothic cathedral. Both are decorated with biblical images intended to educate the pilgrims. There is a space between the two levels that has a secret entrance. During World War II it was used by the Assisi Network to hide Jews from the Nazis.
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The Lower Basilica
The frescos in the lower basilica are by Giotto, Cimabue, Lorenzetti and other masters from the 13th century. They are remarkably well preserved.
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 The tomb of Saint Francis |
The Upper Basilica
I could not take pictures inside the Basilica, so I had to use these public domain pictures from Wikimedia Commons.
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The Town
 In the valley below the town is the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli which houses the Porziuncola. |
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 Franciscan sisters guest house.. |
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