UMBRIA
Our journey through the lush landscape of the central region of Italy, known as Umbria, was breathtaking at times. The historical hill towns of Assisi and Orvieto instilled emotional responses with their beauty and religious significance. In addition, we found something surprising at our countryside hotel we didn't even know we were looking for!
ourlodging
Villa Santa Barbara, S. Luca di Montefalco
distancewalked
6.8 Miles
day13
Our first stop after departing Siena was Lower Assisi, where our group visited the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. As you probably know, Assisi is the birthplace and home of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan Order. The Basilica is built over the 9th-century Porziuncola, the small simple church where Francis came to understand God's calling. There was a Mass happening in the main church when we entered and reverent pilgrims praying in the Porziuncola. It was very moving.
ASSISI
Upper Assisi was a short bus ride away. We had free time to wander and grab a bite to eat (pistachio gelato) before meeting up in the Piazza del Comune with our local guide, Guissepe. He took us on an in-depth informational walk through Assisi which eventually led to the Basilica of St. Francis.
The Gothic structure consists of an upper and lower church. The tomb of St. Francis is in the lower church. The upper Basilica has the largest collection of medieval stained glass windows in Italy. It also features 28 vivid frescoes telling the story of the life of St. Francis.
During WWII, Assisi saved 300 Jews who hid in the church and were given new papers.
FUN FRANCIS FACTS
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St. Francis and
St. Catherine of Siena are the patron saints of Italy. -
St. Francis created the first Nativity.
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St. Francis received the stigmata of the crucified Christ.
A Countryside Surprise
Our hotel for the next two nights was more like a resort in the Umbrian countryside. Kevin and I took the opportunity before wine tasting and dinner to roam the beautifully landscaped grounds. The roses were blooming and the ivy changing to its fall crimson. We passed the fountain and pool to a new patio project edged with dense shrubbery. I peered through an opening in the hedge and thought I saw an elephant. Surprise! There was an elephant on the property! The hotel library had paperwork showing that it was a gift from Prince Charles as part of the CoExistence Campaign in 2021. We shared the discovery with our friends and it became a treasure hunt as others searched for the elephant.
Time for Wine Tasting and Dinner!
Our group gathered for local wine tasting before a scrumptious dinner graciously hosted by the hotel staff.
OPTIONAL DAY IN ORVIETO
today'shighlight
Basilica of Orvieto
distancewalked
6 Miles
day14
Today's sightseeing in Orvieto was optional so only about half of the group boarded the bus for the 1.5 hour drive. I don't blame those who stayed back for some R & R at our peaceful rural resort. However, since we are suckers for historic medieval hill towns, Kevin and I hopped on the bus
after breakfast!
Orvieto stands stately on Umbria's terra firma and is known for having one of Italy's most majestic cathedrals. On a sunny morning, the Duomo glitters with its golden mosaic facade. The side view gives you the familiar black and white limestone striped pattern seen so frequently on this trip. The interior wows with its amazing frescoes, sculptures and an 800 year old Eucharistic miracle. On our visit, we lingered in the nave to test our bible recall in identifying the 12 apostle statues. We were awed by the frescoes throughout the church and especially in the Chapel of the Madonna di San Brizio. The Chapel of the Corporal, which houses the Miracle of Bolsena, was quite special to see, as well.
We later took a guided tour of the underground of Orvieto. It was a step into antiquity seeing just a small portion of the more than 1,200 caves, including tunnels, cisterns and wells that were created during earlier civilizations. It's something worth researching further.
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Michelangelo visited Orvieto before he painted the Sistine Chapel and is said to have been inspired by Signorelli's frescoes in the Chapel of San Brizio. He was particularly influenced by The Last Judgement.
Before leaving Orvieto, Kevin and I were joined by two of our mid-western friends for lunch at Montanucci, where food is served cafeteria style. We also bought a bottle of limoncello because one of us loves limoncello!
Back in San Luca, there was time to check out a local church and cemetery before a barbecue dinner at the hotel. This is where we thanked our driver, Cesare, who would be leaving us in Rome the following day.
