I hesitate to say this, but ten minutes or so away by train is the little hilltop town of Spello, where my wife and I have an apartment. It's worth a few hours, for sure. And does attract some crowds on weekends--mostly Italian tourists--but nothing like Assisi.
I had this bookmarked and have just gotten around to reading it while on a break from finishing up my next post -- which is also about bones (!), but in a different context.
I need to make it back to Assisi. I've been five or six times over the years, but have not been in at last a decade. I remember a feeling of calm while there ... I'm guessing if I want that again I should go during the off-season.
Having explored Assisi and that church as well, I can relate to this writing. It’s a really beautiful and wonderful experience, and it also landed somewhat curious and peculiar.
I've been wanting to make a visit to Spello for so long-- have to try to make it happen this year. That area of Umbria is so beautiful. We have a home in Le Marche-- so not too far-- and we pass by Spello frequently on our way up to the house. Thanks for the reminder. This has been on my list forever. And yes, I think you're right to be a little protective of it. I feel the same about some of our towns in Marche.
Thanks so much- means a lot coming from you. I will say, the crowds were crazy in Assisi during all of this, but they did an excellent job of managing it all. If you do get back to Assisi, I really recommend the L'Eremo delle Carceri, a little rifiugio in the nearby mountains where Francesco fed the birds, etc. It really is quite beautiful. Looking forward now to reading your "bones" story!
Yes, this was kind of an odd experience but meaningful in its own way. I agree that Assisi in general is a very special place with a certain tranquility all its own. I particularly love the Hermitage on Mt. Subasio-- not sure if you visited that when you were there, but it really is wonderful.
I hesitate to say this, but ten minutes or so away by train is the little hilltop town of Spello, where my wife and I have an apartment. It's worth a few hours, for sure. And does attract some crowds on weekends--mostly Italian tourists--but nothing like Assisi.
I had this bookmarked and have just gotten around to reading it while on a break from finishing up my next post -- which is also about bones (!), but in a different context.
I need to make it back to Assisi. I've been five or six times over the years, but have not been in at last a decade. I remember a feeling of calm while there ... I'm guessing if I want that again I should go during the off-season.
It was a nice read. Thank you.
Having explored Assisi and that church as well, I can relate to this writing. It’s a really beautiful and wonderful experience, and it also landed somewhat curious and peculiar.
I've been wanting to make a visit to Spello for so long-- have to try to make it happen this year. That area of Umbria is so beautiful. We have a home in Le Marche-- so not too far-- and we pass by Spello frequently on our way up to the house. Thanks for the reminder. This has been on my list forever. And yes, I think you're right to be a little protective of it. I feel the same about some of our towns in Marche.
Thanks so much- means a lot coming from you. I will say, the crowds were crazy in Assisi during all of this, but they did an excellent job of managing it all. If you do get back to Assisi, I really recommend the L'Eremo delle Carceri, a little rifiugio in the nearby mountains where Francesco fed the birds, etc. It really is quite beautiful. Looking forward now to reading your "bones" story!
Yes, this was kind of an odd experience but meaningful in its own way. I agree that Assisi in general is a very special place with a certain tranquility all its own. I particularly love the Hermitage on Mt. Subasio-- not sure if you visited that when you were there, but it really is wonderful.
Great article. Nicely written and researched. Feel like I was there! And brought back memories of when I was there!
John Kilgore