Day Trip: Assisi

I'm behind in my bloggy posts, dang it. 

We've been busy enjoying some days of gorgeous weather after a couple of really cold weeks, so it's a big lift to come inside and write! I just want to be outside in the warm Umbrian sunshine.

So, anyway....

Back on April 8, we took a drive to Assisi. We haven't been there in several years. 

The day was super windy, but there were blue skies, so we just went for it.

I'm so glad we did. It was a wonderful day of walking and experiencing amazing views!

We'd never visited the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli, which is just below Assisi. It houses the original tiny little church that St. Francis of Assisi started his Franciscan Movement, way back when.

It's a massive structure!

This golden angel on top must be at least twenty feet high.

 

We parked down the hill from town, and enjoyed the views as we hiked up.

Of course, we stopped into the main church of St. Francis. the walls and ceilings are covered in beautiful frescoes by several artists, including Giotto, one of Johnny's favorites.

We've been here before a couple of times, but it still thrills the eyes!

I love this statue/sculpture...

Another first for us was to climb up, up, up the hill to stand in front of the Rocca Maggiore...a huge castle keep way at the top of the world!

We sure got a work out climbing the stairs.

Again, the views were outstanding as we trudged uphill.

We came across some lovely sights along the way...

Wallflowers in their natural element!

We were disappointed that we weren't able to go inside, but it was still a great hike, and at least there was a small bar at the top. We had a little break, and enjoyed the views.

It was wicked windy!! 

We walked all around the Rocca, then headed back down the hill for a rest and a small bite to eat. It was a really fun day.

Exhausted, but content.