Assisi - a tiny trip report.
 

This is a micro trip report.
We visited Assisi three years ago in mid-January, and stayed three nights. We took a day trip to Spello, which we liked, and of course saw the St Francis’ basilica – and that was very special. We spent a day in the old town. The views from the castle at the very top of the old town are spectacular.

We stayed at the Dal Moro Gallery hotel, which was not cheap, and which we thought was great. Very sharp decor, glass encased elevator, etc. Booked via venere.com, and we’d choose to stay there again. A great breakfast, too.

Now, the really special thing. On Saturday evenings, there is a sung Rosary conducted in the Basilica in the new town. It starts at about 8:30 PM, and was attended by about a thousand people. The church was dim, and the whole congregation was circulating in the church (reputed to be the second largest in all Christendom after St Peters, Rome), chanting and carrying candles. Even we non-religious people were quite swept up in the emotion of it. At the end of the service, we all exited via the tiny original shrine to St Francis. Apparently if one passes through the shrine, then one’s sins are forgiven.

Hopefully.

A word of caution – we were there on a Friday night, and the town was very quiet.

I should clarify. The Rosary is in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

"Rosario e processione aux flambeaux every saturady - hour 21:15"

http://www.assisiweb.com/assisi_sma_en.html

Thank you for sharing that Peter; the Rosary sounds really lovely. I will save that link for my next trip.

Thank you for this information...we will be there on May 22nd and it has been added to my list of things to do. Unfortuantely the list keeps growing longer and longer.

If you're going to be in Assisi for a meal, I highly recommend http://www.ristorantemedioevoassisi.it/english/home.htm

I had the best gnocchi w/ gorgonzolla sauce there! Great jazz music (not live) and very friendly owner and patrons!