Assisi

Assisi is a well-preserved medieval town which is located in the middle of the "boot" near Perugia, and after the Vatican. Assisi was the hometown of St. Francis the founder of the Franciscan order of friars, and the churches and crypt that bear his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims and sightseers every year. The town was rocked by an earthquake in 1997, but much of the damage has been repaired. One of the most severely damaged buildings, however, was the treasured Basilica of San Francesco, known for its vivid frescoes by Giotto that depict the life of the saint. The Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress-La Rocca Medioevale, the Piazza del Comune and St. Peter's church are the most interested places. Don't miss the narrow, picturesque streets and listen to the musicians practicing nearby. During Assisi's celebrations : the Feast of Calendimaggio, a three-day coming-of-spring festival with medieval costumes, dances and songs around the first of May; a month of folklore and musical events in August; or the Feast of St. Francis-4 October, which celebrates the saint's transition from this life into the next. During this two-day festival, the entire town is illuminated by oil lamps. Adviced to reserve the accommodations in advance at the above because Assisi will be filled with pilgrims, 80 mi/130 km north of Rome.