Italy vacation rental - Assisi - Italian vacation apartments located in an historic palazzo set amid extensive gardens with a pool. In the very heart of this town redolent with antique atmosphere and historic interest.
The mediaeval town of Assisi is located in the centre of the green region of Umbria, the heart of Italy. It is just 20km from Perugia. Both Florence and Rome are within easy reach by car or train. The local airport of Sant'Egidio (13km from Assisi) offers connections with Malpensa International Airport in Milan, and direct flights with Ryan Air to England.
The city of Assisi, in a panoramic position overlooking the enchanting Umbrian valley, is one of the world's most important religious and mystical centres. Here, the time-honoured memory of St. Francis imparts a unique aura to the landscape and makes it a rare place of spirituality. As a result, this Umbrian town is a favourite destination for tourists from every continent. They come here to experience Assisi's unique silence and peaceful atmosphere. And they also come to admire priceless works of art. There are examples from the Roman period (the Forum, the Temple of Minerva, the remains of the Amphitheatre and a domus romana, the house of the poet Propertius). And there is much from the Middle Ages, with the Basilica of St. Francis and frescoes by leading thirteenth-century masters - Giotto, Cimabue, Lorenzetti and Simone Martini - representing one of the greatest periods in Italian painting.
The beauty of the city and its superb artwork can be found in every corner and alley, in its arches and little squares, the broad square of Piazza del Comune, the Cathedral of San Rufino and the fortress that dominates the city from on high. The entire layout of the town, encircled by ancient mediaeval walls, makes Assisi one of Italy's most charming and unspoiled old cities, and it conveys a sense of spiritual serenity and peace.
St. Francis' beloved Mount Subasio, where he often went to pray, stands solitary and majestic on the eastern side of the Umbrian Valley. Rising to a height of 3900ft, it dominates the sweeping landscape of hills and valleys. This rich and lovely natural setting can be visited on horseback, by bike, on foot or by car (though this method is not nearly as fascinating!). Be sure to visit the Hermitage, the place cherished by Francis for its tranquility, which still reigns there today.
Assisi is known for its religious events and historical commemorations. For example, there is the procession of Christ Crucified on Good Friday, the Feast of St. Francis on 3-4 October, and Christmas celebrations.
Holy Week sees the liturgy and various rites such as the Holy Friday procession of Christ Crucified: this goes through the city from Piazza San Rufino to the Basilica of St. Francis and back.
There is Calendimaggio. During the second week of May, the city stages a festival - all in mediaeval costume - that involves the entire city. As if by magic, all the modern aspects vanish: electrical power disappears, the bars and shops turn off their lighted signs, and at night the city is illuminated only by torchlight. This is the festival for the return of spring. The districts into which the city was divided in the Middle Ages vie with each other, with processions, singing contests and costumed scenes in the alleys, squares and taverns.
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Maggiolate is a series of trips through the city's private gardens. The dates are announced year by year, and these events are always held in May. Courses in ancient music are held in the centre of town in July. Cavalcata di Satriano, is on the first Sunday in September, and commemorates St Francis' last journey to Assisi. And every year on 3-4 October, the saint's feast day is celebrated with solemn liturgies at the basilicas of Santa Maria degli Angeli and St Francis. Other artistic and folklore events take place at this time.
There is plenty nearby too. The antiques fair, in the nearby city of Bastia Umbra (8km from Assisi), is generally held between 25 April and 1 May. With an impressive exhibition of antique furniture, paintings and silver, and it attracts visitors from across Europe. Umbria Jazz is held in nearby Perugia every July.
There are train connections to Florence and Rome, and there is also a bus service that departs in the morning and returns in the evening. Perugia is just 20km away and can be reached by train or bus.
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