Suburban Girl's Day Trip to Assisi, A World Heritage Town

There are so many little hill towns throughout the 

 Umbrian countryside 

that you could spend quite a bit of time exploring each one.  

I wish I could. 

Really, I do. 

Driving by Unknown Hill Town 

Assisi, near the city of Perugia, is one that draws in the Catholic pilgrims 

visiting the birthplace of St. Francis. 

From Rome or Florence it would take you about 2 1/2 hours to Assisi. 

But we had stayed in the charming Montefalco just 1/2 hour away 

(We don't like crowds.) 

You can park outside the city and walk in 

 because driving and parking inside is pretty tight. 

Most visitors are coming to see the Basilica of St. Frances. 

But just wandering through the alleys is a treat in itself 

and from the hilltop you will be rewarded with valley views. 

Roof Tops and Hill Tops

For lunch we stopped in a little deli 

(Gambacorta, Bottega del Bongustaio)

and had sandwiches made to go. 

Who's Counting Steps? 

We then climbed up to the top of the hill, 

had a little picnic, 

and found a location for taking photos of the Umbrian countryside. 

Assisi is quite hilly so plan on a lot of climbing 

during your explorations. 

View of Umbria

You can easily spend half a day here 

and depending on what you want to see 

and how long of a lunch break you take,

possibly a whole day.  

More Climbing
You'll easily burn off a gelato.

Some options include: 

Basilica di Santa Chiara

Basilica of St. Frances contains beautiful Frescoes.
*Dress code enforced.  No photos permitted inside.

(A rare vacation photo of me)  Temple of Minerva with its Roman Facade

The 12th century fortress of Rocco Maggiore

Below Assisi in the foothills is the Basilica Santa Maria Degli Angeli

And when your feet are tired

people watch in the Piazza del Commune with a refreshing gelato

Assisi is located in Umbria in central Italy.
After reading many books set in Tuscany
I put Tuscany on my bucket list.
But Umbria is not to be overlooked.
Since everyone else is heading for the Tuscan sun,
you'll find more off-the-beaten-path locations in Umbria.




Click here to view more of my photos from this trip.

Special Times in Assisi

Beginning of May: 3 day Medieval Festival 

Easter:  Book in advance due to crowds

August: Pardon Festival 

October: St. Frances Celebration 

Christmas: St Francis began the live nativity tradition so there will be many nativity displays; Christmas market