Welcome to Assisi, Italy!
Pilgrims, tourists and historians alike are drawn to this famous town located about 90 miles north of
Rome in the beautiful Umbrian hill Province of Perugia. Some visit to experience or study one of Italy's
best-preserved medieval towns, others for the tranquility and most to venerate Francesco di Bernardone,
known worldwide since the 13th century as St. Francis of Assisi.
EarthCam
and affiliate, the
Assisi Hotel,
bring you live views of the Basilica of San Franceso d' Assisi, built over the tomb of the saint and listed by the worldwide
UNESCO World Heritage Program
among international locations of "outstanding universal value."
The basilica was built between 1228 and 1253 AD in record time for similar
medieval construction projects. The "record" construction is traditionally attributed
to the great love workers and the town had for Francis. Soon after its completion pilgrims
poured into Assisi from throughout Europe. Today the basilica and the town with its castles,
churches and historic architecture continue to be one of the most visited sites for religious pilgrimage.
The history of Assisi with Etruscan, Umbrian and Roman antiquity at its foundation has
included rule at times by despots and later by the papacy. Enriched by its spiritual roots it
has been described by one author as today reflecting " a distinct aura of peace" - fitting
for remembering St Francis who prayed to become " an instrument of peace."
The gentle mystic, preacher and missionary is one of the best known and venerated saints of the Roman Catholic Church.
Francis was born into wealth and known to be a "king of frolic." A year as a prisoner of war due
to the loss of a battle by Assisi to neighboring Perugia changed his life. The time of self- reflection
led to his rejection of his wealth to become an impoverished mendicant. He fought injustices of some
church hierarchy and dedicated his life to the care of the poor and sick, preaching and penance.
Along with a following of dedicated men and women of like mind he founded the Franciscan order, one
of the major international religious orders of the church which continues to adhere to the 'Rules of St. Francis."
For more information, please visit our affiliate at hotelassisi.it.
