ASSISI

Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis in 1181 or 1182. The lifestyle in the city is very peaceful, a long-standing tradition started by St. Francis. Assisi is not just a destination for religious pilgrimages, but is also famous for the nearly destroyed frescos by the medieval painter Giotto in the Arena chapel. The church of San Francesco--upper and lower--houses some of the most famous late Gothic paintings by artists such as Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and Giotto. The city itself has preserved its medieval character and awaits her visitors on the sun baked side of Mount Subasio. A day spent wandering through Assisi's streets will literally take one out of the present and back in time, with its Gepetto-like toy and craft shops and medieval stonework.

The city is an ideal base of operation to do some hiking. Views from the basilica's piazza are incomparable, and the air is some of the freshest in Italy.