In the footsteps of St Francis

Assisi was remarkable amongst the medieval towns we visited in Umbria. Not
only was it the birthplace of St Francis and remarkably well preserved but it
retained an atmosphere of quietness, not found elsewhere. I suspect many
of the visitors were pilgrims as well as tourists and this reflected in their
response to this special place.

Inside the Basilica of St Maria degli Angeli near Assisi you will find the
original chapel that St Francis built with his bare hands, in response to
God's request  to build up his church. It's a beautiful and fitting way of
protecting such a sacred site.

Assisi is beautifully kept and full of narrow streets that
engage the eye.

Souvenir shops were plentiful but did not spoil the town's
street architecture. A cheeky option here in a shop window
intrudes on a largely devotional display.

We've visited more churches on this trip than
 you could shake a stick at (to quote PG Wodehouse).
One of the things it's difficult to miss is the variety
of ways in which the crucifixion of Jesus is portrayed.
My generation of Catholics was brought up with very
sentimental portrayals of this truly awful form of execution.
Interestingly, many medieval artists tackle the reality very
differently in their paintings and sculptures.