Assisi overview

Assisi’s maternal harbouring of its favourite son is known the world over, perhaps the most intimate relationship of any town anywhere to one man. St Francis of Assisi lived and preached here and across Umbria in the 13th century, becoming the patron saint of Italy, establishing a legendary monastic order and becoming the holiest man since Jesus to walk the earth. Assisi today is still preserved as a nominally rustic hillside village which lies peacefully amidst olive trees and sweeping fields. The only drawback is the five million visitors that come each year, meaning no part of the tiny town remains sacred. While pilgrims and tourists attempt to find tranquillity, this is impossible during summer but January to March sees the town deserted. An Italian must-see for most tourists therein lays the problem. The town remains largely untouched with Roman temples festooned with Renaissance art; as long as the crowds let you near them.