DAY 4 (Pt. 1): ASSISSI

According to italia.com, this town is "The City of Saints – Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Chiara of Assisi – its peaceful spirit is palpable with every step through its beautiful streets." 

We traversed the town (from old to new, so going downhill mostly...) and we encountered tranquility and beauty the whole way (well, except for those grandmas driving way too fast down those narrow cobblestone streets!).

Assissi is a medieval town of about 28,000 people, located on a small mountain? big hill? in Umbria, which is right in the heart of Italy. It is the birthplace of St. Francis (1181–1226), one of the country's patron saints. We stopped by for 3+ hours to tour the sight and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Saint Francis of Assisi is the man who symbolizes the city because he committed himself to helping the poor. He renounced his family's wealth and accepted the ideals of chastity, poverty and obedience for the rest of his life. 

Saint Clare of Assisi was a student of Saint Francis and founder of the Order of Saint Clare: at 18, she fled her wealthy family and her parents' wishes that she marry and dedicated herself to helping the poor.  (italia.it)

They both turned in their nice clothing for some basic white and/or brown robes which we got to see! They have been preserved and are on display.

We were not allowed to take any pictures inside the three cathedrals that we visited (but a few students did with their phones, so I am waiting on those kids to share them with me...), so this post is currently shy on photos. (Sorry!)

Before we left Assissi we landed at a local restaurant for lunch and then "the kids" went to the park to have some fun...