Visiting Assisi in Italy during Christmas- by K J S Chatrath

 I had heard of St. Francis of Assisi since decades but never thought that one day I would be visiting this town. I was able to spend 4 days around Xmas of 2023 there. Assisi is a charming town located in the Umbria region of central Italy. Renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and spiritual significance, Assisi holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors. Here are some key points about Assisi:

Assisi is famously known as the birthplace of St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order and one of the most revered saints in Christianity. The town is a major pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from around the world to explore the Basilica of St. Francis and other religious sites.

Basilica of St. Francis: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of medieval art and architecture. The basilica consists of two main churches, the Upper Church and the Lower Church, both adorned with frescoes by renowned artists like Giotto and Cimabue. The basilica is a testament to the influence of St. Francis and his teachings.

Assisi has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. The town's medieval streets, historic buildings, and ancient walls transport visitors back in time. The Rocca Maggiore, a medieval fortress overlooking the town, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Beyond its religious significance, Assisi boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to museums, galleries, and cultural events that celebrate its artistic heritage. The annual Calendimaggio festival, a medieval reenactment, is a highlight for locals and tourists alike.

Assisi's narrow, winding streets are filled with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a picturesque and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can explore the charming Piazza del Comune, visit local artisans, and savour traditional Umbrian cuisine.

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio, Assisi is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The natural beauty of the Umbrian countryside adds to the town's allure, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration in the nearby hills.

In summary, Assisi is a town that seamlessly blends spirituality, history, and culture. Its significance as a religious center, coupled with its medieval charm and scenic surroundings, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a profound and enriching experience in the heart of Italy.

I promise to share over a hundred photos taken by me of this charming town in the days to come. 

                            (All photos taken by me.The write up prepared with help from ChatGPT)










Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

'Some stunning AI portraits by Polish painter Dorota Piotrowiak' - shared by KJS Chatrath

Image
Dorota Piotrowiak' obtained a diploma in the painting studio of prof. Mieczyslaw Ziomek at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń in 1996. . She works in painting, sculpture and graphics. Since 2013, she has been creating models and dioramas of nature, as well as maquettes and thematic displays for national parks, landscape parks and museums. She conducts authorial workshops for children and young people using the papier-mâché technique. She is the initiator and organizer of “Sztuka Papieru” ( the Art of Paper ) Festival in cooperation with the Friends of the Lower Vistula Society and Paper Technical School in Świecie on Vistula. Associated with the Art of Paper studio ( www.sztukapapieru.pl ). Here are some of the portraits made by her: Disclaimer: The copyright remains with the original holder. This blog is intended to introduce this amazing artist to a wider audience.
Read more

Arthuna- a cluster of gems waiting to be 'discovered' - by K J S Chatrath

Image
  I was lucky to have visited Arthuna, located in Banswada district of Rajasthan early this week. I took a train up to Ratlam and from there Arthuna by excellent road is about 130 kms. The place is a gem for archaeology lovers waiting to be visited and written about.I am grateful to my facebook friend and a remarkable traveller and blogger Mr. Sabya Sachi Ghosh for getting me interested in visiting Arthuna. I look forward to soon meeting Mr. Ghosh in person.  Previously known as   Utthunaka, Arthuna was the capital of Paramara rulers of Vagada during eleventh-twelfth centuries A.D. They patronized both Jainism and Saivism simultaneously, so they constructed a number of Siva temples. An inscription of the Paramara prince Chamundaraja records that he built a temple of Siva called Mandalesa in honour of his father in A.D. 1079. Another inscription of A.D. 1080 mentions that his officer’s son named Anantapala also founded a temple of Siva.  In a group of temples known as Hanumangarhi i
Read more

'Achars- the Indian pickles' - by K J S Chatrath

Image
  According to Hobson-Jobson: The Definitive Glossary of British India , the word ‘ āchār’ finds a mention in CE 1563, in works by Garcia da Orta, a Portuguese physician, describing a conserve of cashew with salt which he refers to as ‘and this they call Āchār.’ In his book A Historical Dictionary of Indian Food , the late food historian KT Achaya notes that pickles fall into the category of ‘cooking without fire’; however, many pickles today do use heating or fire to some extent during preparation. Pickles in India have a rich legacy, which is clear when the historian further adds that a ‘Kannada work of CE 1594, the Lingapurana of Gurulinga Desika describes no less than fifty kinds of pickles’! Another later mention is found in the 17th-century Śivatattvaratnākara , an encyclopedia of ancient Indian lore of Basavarāja, King of Keladi. Pickles in India are of three basic types: those preserved in vinegar; those preserved in salt; and those preserved in oil.   Gosht Achar
Read more

Total Pageviews