Assisi is a town that is located in the province of Perugia, within the central region of Italy, known as Umbria. It lies on the western side of Mount Subasio, which is part of the Apennine Mountains and it stands at 1290 meters above sea level. It is also the birthplace of St Francis, who was the founder of the religious order, Franciscan religious order, in 1208.
The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, it comprises of the monastery, Scaro Convento, as well as the upper and lower churches. The lower church has mural paints by late medieval artists, such as Cimabue and Giotto. The basilica was heavily damaged in 1997 by an earthquake; during the quake part of the vault collapsed and the part of the building was closed for two years while restoration work was carried out.
Other churches in the town include the Santa Maria Maggiore, which is the earliest extant church of Assisi, the Chiesa Nuova, which is said to have been the parental home of St Francis and the Basilica of Santa Chiara, which dates back to 1257 and is the home of the tomb of St Clare.
Assisi has two medieval castles; the largest is called the Rocca Maggiore, it was built in 1367, its sheer size was meant to intimidate the people of the town and it was built by Cardinal Albornoz, but was later added to by both Pope Pius II and Paul III. The smaller of the two was built during the Roman era, but only a small section and three towers remain to this day.
Eremo della Carceri is a mountain retreat, which is located above Assisi and is said to be the place that St Francis went to and stayed from time to time to pray and meditate.
There is the Festival Calendimaggio, which is held every year from the 1st to the 5th of May; it is a medieval and Renaissance re-enactment of the way of life during those times. The challenges between the upper and lower sections of the town include a procession through the streets, dramatic plays, dances and flag weaving. Assisi embroidery started back in the 13th century and the skills have been passed on and down through families ever since.
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