{"id":1533,"date":"2017-10-18T17:00:54","date_gmt":"2017-10-18T17:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bookingsforyou.com\/blog\/?p=1533"},"modified":"2025-02-04T10:12:51","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T10:12:51","slug":"spotlight-on-assisi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookingsforyou.com\/blog\/spotlight-on-assisi\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotlight on: Assisi"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Located in central of Italy in the region of Umbria, Assisi is\u00a0 a stunning medieval town popular with visitors \u2014 it’s neatly located between Rome and Florence and perched halfway up Mount Subasio. It\u2019s worth spending a day (or two) in this lovely town; the monuments close at sunset so prioritise these so you don\u2019t miss out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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History<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Assisi is a town with a rich history; the original Umbrian settlements were taken over by Etruscans from around 450 BC, before the Romans took over control after the Battle of Sentinum. Roman remains can still be found in the town, including the city walls, the forum and an amphitheatre.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The city began to expand outside of the Roman alls in the 13th Century, with jurisdiction changing numerous times until it fell under papal rule again under Pope Pius II.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Assisi was the birthplace of three famous Saints; St. Francis, who founded to Franciscan religious order in 1208, St. Clare who founded the Poor Sisters (later renamed to the Order of Poor Clares), and Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, who was canonised in 1920.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

St. Francis is a patron saint of Italy, and UNESCO designated the Franciscan structures of Assisi as a World Heritage Site in 2000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Events<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

From late April to early May, the town hosts an International Antiques Fair \u2014 one of the largest markets in Italy, with around 100 antique dealers from across Europe. It\u2019s a \u2018must do\u2019 on the antique collectors calendar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In early May, the Festival Calendimaggio celebrates the history of the town with an immersive re-enactment of medieval and Renaissance life with processions, flag-wavers and both dance and theatrical performances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Early August sees the Pardon Festival (Festa del Perdono). Although most Italian towns have one, Assisi is one of the most famous; held in the church of Santa Maria deli Angela on August 2nd every year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The last week of August is the Palio of Saint Rufinius, where the town is divided into three district who\u2019s compete for the pennant (Paliio) in a bow tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Held at the end of September or beginning of October is the peace march from Perugia to Assisi; first held in 1961 the march appeals for peace and an end to violence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Art and Attractions\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n