Assisi: A Most Beautiful City

People will tell you there are places you have to go at some point in your life just to see what all the fuss is about. In my opinion, the hill town of Assisi is one of those places. Although, I wouldn't say that there is much of a "fuss," rather, there is an aura the surrounds it that can only be experienced by taking a trip there for yourself. I did just that this last weekend.

Assisi is not all that important of a city in the grand scheme of things, but spiritually it is one of the most important cities in Italy. It was the birthplace of three different saints, St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, St. Clare, founder of the Poor Clares, and St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. It has some of the most beautiful and historic churches in all of Italy and is one of the most beautiful places ever worth visiting.

A view of Assisi from above

I spent two whole days in Assisi exploring the city and all of its historic sites. Everywhere I went, I discovered breathtaking vistas that looked down on the valley below. Assisi is such a different city than what I've experienced in Rome. Whereas Rome is loud and dirty, Assisi was very quiet, clean, and had an air of solemnity everywhere you went. There were still the goofy gift shops selling postcards and cheesy t-shirts on every corner, but as you walk around you hear more from the birds than from any automobile.

It is very easy to tell how this city fostered the growth of three different saints. The winding streets, beautiful pinkish-white stone buildings, and the tree covered hills around Assisi almost force one to pause and reflect, to look beyond the everyday and see the world for what it is in all its expansive beauty.

Looking back on the experience, I know that I will find my way back to Assisi at some point. It was such a great experience that I'll reflect on for years to come. A trip back will only deepen the experience and leave me even more amazed that I am now. Simply put, Assisi is a great place to go to see beautiful architecture and, most importantly, find a little peace in a world that's always in motion.

Me in front of the Basilica of San Francisco