Help. Need Assisi Info
 

Hi, I am finalizing plans for our trip and I need some info/valuable Fodorite advice about Assisi. We are staying in Cortona and can only visit Assisi as a day trip. This will probably be the most intense travel/sightseeing day of our trip, as we are the siesta in the hotel room type of travelers, but we have missed Assisi on every trip so far and we are determined to make it this time. We plan to leave Cortona early (8:30 AM, June 29) and head for the Basilica first. <BR>Questions? We will be driving, so what is the best parking area in (actually outside) Assisi? How long should we allow in the Basilica. (we like historical/ religious art, but will have a teenager with us)? Other than the Basilica what should we definitely NOT MISS (and still keep the teenager civil)? Finally, should we leave Assisi, and drive to Spello for lunch and afternoon, or eat lunch in Assisi, and drive to Spello for the late afternoon and dinner. My impression is that Assisi is overrun by tourists, so my thought is to get out. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks. <BR>

I have been to Assisi in October 1999, one brief overnight), and again this year (Saturday and Sunday nights, May 2001 - - it was rather rainy, and right at the tail end of Calendemaggio, though I thought it was coming the following Thur-Sun; never did quite understand this). There were numerous tourists, I suppose, both times, but not oppressive. June 29 could well be much worse. <BR> <BR>If you're persistent, you actually could park IN(side) Assisi, but you'll likely be one of 500 cars competing for 50 parking spaces. Piazza Matteoti is certainly a decent spot (parked there the first time, when we stayed at Hotel Umbra); you'll walk all downhill to get into Assisi (but all uphill when you are returning to your car, of course) <BR> <BR>There is also parking at the opposite end of the town, which is quite DOWNhill relative to everything else (thus, you get to descend to return to your car!) <BR> <BR>Strictly guessing, allow 30-90 minutes for the Basilica. This is such a personal decision. <BR> <BR>Unless the weather is terrible (and maybe even if it is), drive up to the Hermitage (Eremo Carceri?? sp?) - - if only for the (probably) outstanding view of everything down below (we could only vaguely appreciate what it must be like - - severely overcast and raining). <BR> <BR>There isn't so much to see uo there, but that's why it was a "hermitage" you know? <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

as i recall, there is a large parking lot adjacent to the basilica. by all means, walk through assisi. it's a very pleasant town full of cobbled walks. when you go to spello drive right into town (through the arch). you can park in front of the church about halfway up the hill. buy a parking ticket at the alimentari across the street. walk or drive to the top of the town. lunch at la bastiglia. dynamite food! ciao.

Leo, <BR> <BR>Assisi is fairly small and you should be able to see most of it in a full day. St. Francis Basilica is breathtaking (don't miss the lower level where he is entombed in the support structure of the church. The town has gotten more tourist-y over the years but has lovely, winding streets that force you to just walk and enjoy. <BR> <BR>We did find a small ristorante that was off the beaten path. We were definitely the only tourists there. It was the Ristorante Bar Anfiteatro on Via Anfiteatro Romano, 4 near the Porta Perlici. This is on the tall hill behind Santa Chiara. In this area was a tiny, ancient outdoor theatre and is now a lovely little neighborhood. I swear, I had the best Zuppo di vedure in my life. My son had penne with 4 cheeses and he ate more than I’ve ever seen. It was truly a treat. Find it if you can. (Tel 075 813 025). <BR> <BR>On the way out of Assisi, don’t miss the Porziuncola. The beautiful, tiny chapel “St. Mary of the Angels” may move you to tears. It was here on February 24, 1208 that Francis heard the gospel which was to be his earliest Rule; it was here that the Poor Clares were founded when Clare received her habit from Francis; and it was just outside this chapel that Francis composed a verse of his canticle "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" to Sister Death and left from this world to the next. <BR>

To the top, need help too!

huh? more help? why top? <BR> <BR>what's the question? <BR>

Leo - You may want to check out Anne Robichaud while in Assisi - www.annesitaly.com. I am leaving for Switzerland and Italy tomorrow and have a day planned with Anne to tour Assisi on June 8th. regards - Tom

Make sure to visist the hermitage, I think your son will enjoy it as well. It is well worth your time, and was the highlight of my assisi trip. You are so high up that you can walk through the clouds, on a path from the hermatige to the city, it is time consuming so would suggest the drive. But I am sure that there is no way you will be disappointed. There are lots of nice shops on your way to the Basilicas. Have fun..

DO NOT MISS the Porziuncola at Sanat Maria degli Angeli. It will move you to tears - the feeling of the peace of St. Francis there is indescribable. There are things to see in the back of the churc, too - the rose garden, a place where St. Francis prayed and rested, adn the gift shop which has lots of nice things. (they don't take Visa) Take at least 1-2 hours to see the Basilica. Listen to the coinslot/telephone descriptions of the frescoes.

Thanks for all your wonderful sugestions!

You can't begin to see Assisi in one day or even two weeks. I've been there 18 times and each time learn and see something new. The person that recommended Anne Robichaud had the right idea. She's great for Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, Spoleto, Narnie, etc. etc., all those Umbrian hill towns. What a source of wealth they are.