ASSISI - Tranquillo Sereno Silenzioso

The small town of Assisi is one of the Christian worlds most important pilgrimage sites and home of the Basilica di San Franceso (on the left side of town). Like most other towns in the region, Assisi began as an Umbri Settlement in the 7 th century BC and was conquered by the Romans 400 years later. The town was Christianized by St Ruffino in the 3rd century but it is the spirit of St Francis that is felt throughout these narrow medieval streets.

Assisi is pristinely medieval in architecture and appearance. But not even the constant flood of visitors of this town with just 3000 residents can spoil the the beauty of this significant religious center.

The peace and serenity of the town is a welcome respite after the hustle and bustle of some of Italy's major cities.

In the Cathedrale of San Rufino lies the crypt of Saint Ruffino, the bishop who brought Christianity to Assisi and was martyred around 238.

Inside San Ruffino which was the principal church in town until the 12th century - the baptismal front where Saint Francis and Saint Clare (one of the first followers of St Francis) where baptized.

A statue of Saint Francis - a patron saint of Italy.

San Damiano- It was here while praying in the church of Saint Damian that Saint Francis heard the words of God - Restore my house. It later became the first monastery of the Order of Saint Clare

Basilica di Santa Chiara - the lovely wide piazza in front of this church is reason enough to visit. The facade of the church frames the piazza's panoramic view over the Umbrian plains. Saint Clare - one of the earliest followers of St Francis was the founder of order of the Poor Ladies. The church contains Clare's body which you can view.

Finally, Assisi's Basilica Di San Francesco. The basilica is not one church but two. A Romanesque lower church came first. The low ceilings and candlelit interior make an appropriately solemn setting for St Francis tomb. The Gothic upper church was built a half a century later and is strikingly different, with arches and tall stained glass windows.

The walkway up to the basilica.

Santa Maria degli Angeli - inside this church are two important pieces of history.
Standing directly under the basilica's large dome, the Porziuncola ("little portion") is the original stone chapel restored and frequently used by St. Francis. Dating from the 9th century, the long-abandoned chapel was given to Francis by the Benedictines and became the early headquarters of the new Franciscan order, founded here in 1209. So we literally have a small church standing inside the middle of the large church.
The Cappella del Transito is the small room in which St. Francis died on October 3, 1226. It is a simple hut that served as an infirmary for the sick in the community. He asked to be brought here when he felt himself near death.
Later Santa Maria was built over these two places to protect them
If you copy and past this site you will get a look at the Porziuncola.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-maria-degli-angeli-photos/slides/IMG_6119p