Before we left home for this trip to Italy, we were asked about our plans, our destination(s). We were not surprised when we were questioned about our choice to remain in one place for most of our five weeks here. What will you do for four weeks in Assisi? Why Assisi?
For me, the answer is as simple as standing in the Piazza Santa Chiara, watching the sunset over the valley below on a Fall afternoon. It's as uncomplicated as standing in the Upper Church of the Basilica of San Francesco, glancing at Cimabue frescoes waltzing around the walls with Giotto.
Check this out....
The oldest traces of human habitation in the territory later known as Assisi go back to the early Bronze Age (1900-1800 B.C.).......From a 203-page book on the history and art of Assisi.
From the ancient author C.Piccolpasso, The First Book of plans and Portraits of the Cities and Lands of Umbria Under the Government of Perugia, 1578-90, come these words:
Assisi is situated on the side of a mountain, although she encircles it all with walls on the northern side. The steep cliffs on which she was founded make her impregnable.
Check out the dates. The BRONZE AGE! "Impregnable"? Steep cliffs? Does this say "safe" and "secure" to you?
Serene. Peaceful. Quiet. Charming. Welcoming. Quaint. Lovely. Sweet. Luminous. Saintly. Inviting. Stress-less. Wonderous. Healthy. Inspiring. Alluring. Fun. Contemplative. Sane. Beautiful. Nurturing. Glorious. Blessed. Passive. Pastoral. Abundant. Dear. Elegant. Zen.
Tomorrow, I will write about our neighborhood and why four weeks simply is not enough.
For now, I will enjoy living in an impregnable town, surrounded by steep cliffs on the side of Mount Subasio, with the company of my favorite traveling companion and a sprinkling of tourists who, like Joe and me, drift quietly through lovely little Assisi, listening to church bells and footsteps on cobblestones.
For me, the answer is as simple as standing in the Piazza Santa Chiara, watching the sunset over the valley below on a Fall afternoon. It's as uncomplicated as standing in the Upper Church of the Basilica of San Francesco, glancing at Cimabue frescoes waltzing around the walls with Giotto.
Check this out....
The oldest traces of human habitation in the territory later known as Assisi go back to the early Bronze Age (1900-1800 B.C.).......From a 203-page book on the history and art of Assisi.
From the ancient author C.Piccolpasso, The First Book of plans and Portraits of the Cities and Lands of Umbria Under the Government of Perugia, 1578-90, come these words:
Assisi is situated on the side of a mountain, although she encircles it all with walls on the northern side. The steep cliffs on which she was founded make her impregnable.
Check out the dates. The BRONZE AGE! "Impregnable"? Steep cliffs? Does this say "safe" and "secure" to you?
Serene. Peaceful. Quiet. Charming. Welcoming. Quaint. Lovely. Sweet. Luminous. Saintly. Inviting. Stress-less. Wonderous. Healthy. Inspiring. Alluring. Fun. Contemplative. Sane. Beautiful. Nurturing. Glorious. Blessed. Passive. Pastoral. Abundant. Dear. Elegant. Zen.
Tomorrow, I will write about our neighborhood and why four weeks simply is not enough.
For now, I will enjoy living in an impregnable town, surrounded by steep cliffs on the side of Mount Subasio, with the company of my favorite traveling companion and a sprinkling of tourists who, like Joe and me, drift quietly through lovely little Assisi, listening to church bells and footsteps on cobblestones.
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