The birth of Assisi
History and origins of the city of San Francesco

Stelvietti

Holidays in Umbria

Assisi, a small medieval town located in the heart of Umbria, Italy, is a place steeped in history, art and spirituality. Famous for being the birthplace of Saint Francis, patron saint of Italy, Assisi attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, fascinated by its architectural beauty and its profound atmosphere of peace.

The birth of Assisi and the conquest of the Romans

The origins of Assisi are lost in the mists of time. Founded by the Umbrians, one of the oldest Italian peoples, the city was subsequently conquered by the Romans in 295 BC. Under Roman rule, Assisi became an important urban center, as evidenced by the numerous ruins, including the Temple of Minerva, transformed into a church in the Middle Ages, and the Roman amphitheater, still visible today.

The Middle Ages and Saint Francis
The Middle Ages marked a crucial era for Assisi, especially with the birth and life of Saint Francis in the 12th century. Born into a wealthy family, Francis embraced a life of poverty and dedicated his life to helping the poor and to prayer. His charismatic figure and his message of love and humility had a profound impact, leading to the foundation of the Franciscan Order.

Architecture and art: The symbol of the Basilica of San Francesco
The architecture of Assisi is a wonderful example of the fusion between art, faith and history. The most recognizable symbol of the city is the Basilica of San Francesco, begun in 1228 and divided into two parts: the Upper Basilica and the Lower Basilica. The Basilica is famous for the splendid frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, which narrate the life of Saint Francis and marked a turning point in medieval art, anticipating the Renaissance.

The UNESCO Heritage and the Franciscan legacy
In 2000, the Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan sites in Assisi were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition underlines the universal importance of Assisi as a center of art and spirituality. The city is not only a place of religious pilgrimage but also a meeting point for intercultural and interreligious dialogues, promoting messages of peace and brotherhood.

Assisi Today: between tradition and modernity
Today, Assisi continues to keep its historical and spiritual legacy alive. The narrow medieval streets, squares, Romanesque churches and convents are silent witnesses of centuries of history. At the same time, Assisi is a modern city, which offers visitors a variety of cultural, gastronomic and naturalistic experiences, thanks also to its location in the heart of green Umbria.

Conclusion
Assisi, with its thousand-year history, represents a unicum in the Italian and world panorama. The city is a perfect example of how history, art and spirituality can intertwine, creating a place of unparalleled beauty and meaning. Whether one visits Assisi for religious, cultural reasons or simply to admire its priceless heritage, the city never fails to leave an indelible impression in the hearts of its visitors.