Assisi
Before we left Florence, our guide had told us that Assisi had been added
to our schedule and we were very excited about that. After a
short bus ride, we arrived there and were met by a local guide at the Basilica
of St Francis. Much of the basilica was behind scaffolding because
of work being done after the series of earthquakes beginning September 26, 1997.
Since it was a Sunday, we were not allowed
to see much of the lower basilica either since there was a mass at that time and it
was filled with worshippers. Of course the upper basilica was damaged
by the earthquakes and was not accessible
at all. We were allowed to enter the basilica and make our way down
to the crypt. On our way back we were able to stop in the lower basilica
for a few moments and were able to see a few frescoes, including one of
St. Francis preaching to the animals.
The following is a picture of the basilica before the earthquake.
Our tour continued with a walk through the town, ending at the central
square with the Temple of Minerva, later converted to a Christian church.
We were given some free time before we met again together for a lunch arranged
by the tour guide, who also provided commentary about the food.
From there our drive through what is called "the green belt of Italy"
included views of many hill towns and beautiful green hills.
The roads
became smaller and smaller until we arrived at an agritourismo near Baschi.
On to the agriturismo to see the
hilltowns of Civita
and Orvieto.
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