Added: 06/21/2006 |
Holidays to Assisi - Enjoy One of the Biggest Attractions in ItalyOne of the most famous destinations in Italy, Assisi is a beautiful hill town that boasts Roman roots, alleyways from the Middle Ages and some of the finest Renaissance art found in Italy. Indeed, the town with the population of nearly 3,000, has over five million visitors annually, countless art lovers, pilgrims and visitors alike among them. For most of them holidays to Assisi is a great chance to start sightseeing in Italy.
A good starting point for enjoying the numerous sights and attractions of Assisi is Piazza del Comune - the main square of the town. Located here is the Temple of Minerva, a I century BC Roman temple that has been recycled into the church with baroque interior. Next to the temple is the thirteenth century Torre del Popolo, with the major's palace close to it. Also worth a visit during your holidays to Assisi and stays alike are the Gothic piles of the Palazzo Comunale and Palazzo dei Priori.
One of the greatest Assisi attractions, Duomo di San Rufino is considered by some historians to be the true site of the Roman Assisi's forum, while the first church on this place is believed to have been raised in the V century. Yet, it took over a century to build the cathedral, the Romanesque styling giving way to Gothic fashion. Following structural damage, the interior was remodeled in the 1570s and deserves special attention. It is home to the Museo della Cattedrale that preserves frescoes by Puccio Capanna, triptychs by L'Alunno and Matteo da Gualdo and works by Dono Doni. Currently the museum is in the process of expanding and will have more works on display along with the first archeological collection.
Another renowned attraction and a must during your holidays to Assisi, Ermeo delle Carceri and Monte Subasi is the hermitage established on the site where St Francis frequently meditated and prayed with his followers. Here you'll see several worn frescoes, the bed where Francis slept and other exhibits associated with the life of the saint. Ermeo delle Carceri and Monte Subasi is also a good starting point for a stroll in the protected regional park of Monte Subasi, as there are a variety of marked trails to follow.
Art connoisseurs should by all means visit Pinacoteca, the picture gallery of Assisi housing currently faded remains of frescoes from the street tabernacles. Included into the collection are some thirteenth century knights on horseback from the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, as well as a Crucifix by the Maestro Espressionista di Santa Chiara. The latter worth a special attention, ranked with the biggest attractions of the area and subject to many excursions. The resting place of Francis' crucifix, Santa Chiara is the thirteenth century church with views over the valley and shade trees. Off the church's right wall is the Oratorio del Crosifisso, built to house the tomb of St Clare and some holy relics, like tunics worn by Clare and Francis. While enjoying your holidays to Assisi, visit the Capella del Sacramento, with a triptych of the Madonna and Saints by Puccio Capanna and frescos by Pace di Bartolo. For more information on places to visit while staying in the town consider Assisi online: http://www.assisionline.com.
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