We left Venice and drove along the side of the Apennine Mountains. Tall trees and lush green were a welcome sight as we entered Umbria, known as the green heart of Italy. 

The village of Assisi appeared on the top of a hill. Assisi is a medieval town with steep, narrow, cobblestone streets. Our tour bus was too large to wind up the hill and had to let us off below. We took our hand luggage (the suitcases came up in a small van) and walked ten minutes up the steep hill in 30C heat.

After checking into our hotel, we met a local Guide for another ten minute uphill walk for a tour of Saint Frances of Assisi Cathedral. We learned that this area was the birth place of Saint Francis, one of Italy’s patron saints. He is known for founding the religious order of the Franciscans, who inspired movements for peace and charity.  He was also the first to stage a live nativty. We were also told that his tomb is in the crypt beneath the chapel.

Inside the cathedral were beautiful frescos on the ceiling and incredible stained glass windows. Unfortunately no pictures were allowed. We did, however take a few of the grounds. The courtyard leaded to the entrance of the cathedral was once a stable!

At the end of the tour Emily wanted to explore the town so we walked up another hill. The roads here are narrow and cobblestone so walking is’t easy, but the surroundings made it worthwhile. We stopped for gelato to help cool us down. It was on a stick and shaped like aa triangle. We both had raspberry and it tasted like fresh berries. Delicious!

Back at the hotel we took some photos with the valley in the background before having drinks and appetizers on the patio. Dinner was below ground in an area that was quaint and medieval in appearance. 

We would have liked more time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site but our brief stop did’t allow for that. In the morning we’d be heading for our next destination.