Assisi is crowded with pilgrims and day trippers by day, but it’s lovely and quiet at night. (Assisi, Umbria, Italy)
Turns out we dodged a bullet. We’re in Assisi on Oct 2. The feast of St Francis is on Oct 4. If we had arrived two days later, the city would be filled with a crowd of 10,000 pilgrims. Even today there were lots of AV and television crews setting up for the big celebration.
We also visited the Basilica de San Francesco, built in St. Francis’ honor. Beautiful frescos inside, including the iconic “St. Francis Preaching to the Birds.” (Valecchie, Umbria, Italy)
First stop in Assisi: The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. This is the Church that was built around the chapel where St. Francis began his ministry. Literally. The chapel still stands inside the basilica. (Santa Maria degli Angeli, Umbria, Italy)
Made a day trip to Siena today. The Duomo (cathedral) there is incredible. Beautifully painted ceilings, and statues by Donatello and Bernini. But the big highlight was the inlaid marble floors illustrating bible scenes and Siena’s civic pride. (Siena, Tuscany, Italy)
We also toured Contucci winery in Montepulciano. They’ve been making wine for over one thousand years! (San Biagio, Tuscany, Italy)
Toured Talosa’s underground wine cellars in Montepulciano, where they age their famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. (Those casks are huge!) (San Biagio, Tuscany, Italy)
