Assisi, St. Francis’ Basilica

(2 photos)
As Assisi is approached from the west, St. Francis’ Basilica extending down the side of the hill, is very distinctive. This is one of the more special cities in Italy. The Basilica suffered terrible damage from an earthquake in 1997. An aftershock, a couple of days later, caused a portion of the 278 foot high ceiling to fall, killing four people. Television cameras recorded images of the beautiful, colorful ceiling as it was transformed into rubble and a death heap.

The St. Francis’ Basilica consists of the Upper Basilica built in 1253, the Lower Basilica completed in 1230, and the third level down, the Crypt, where the Tomb of St. Francis is found, was dug in 1818.

Ceramic floor tile was being removed in a building near the Basilica. I “asked” the workmen if we could have a small piece as a souvenir. But they happily insisted we take a full piece of tile as a memento of Assisi. It’s right beside my computer, used every day as a coaster.
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As we approached Assisi one year, this beautiful view reminded us of what we had seen here several times in the past. Just a few miles from Assisi we saw a large new campsite under construction, hope it will be available for us in a few years.

The campsite in Assisi where we have stayed two different years, required a drive up and up and up, and around the city. When we finally got there the campsite was fine, but a couple of times we didn’t believe it could still be higher up the hill. Next to the campsite was a very, very busy outdoor restaurant. They were serving a special dinner, the speciality of this area.