Tuesday, 22 May 2012 - on the trail of St Francis

Today was the day that the animal lovers amongst us had ordered, so after breakfast we jumped in the car, fired up Tom Tom and headed off to Assisi.  I had studied Lonely Planet which described a free car park in Assisi.  Couldn't resist that and followed the instructions and located it.  That was easy.  It was near the top of the town so we had a look at the big castle - Rocca Maggiore - very impressive.  The day had improved and was sunny but there were a lot of clouds around.  We slowly wandered down through to the  Piazza del Commune, visiting a church and some shops.  Had lunch there (pizza again - but it's always good in Italy).  Walked further on down towards the Basilica of San Francesco, stopping to buy an umbrella as it started to drizzle and turned cool.  The Basilica was, again, stunningly beautiful.

Basilica of San Francesco

After this we started wending our way back towards the car park.  Made it without getting lost (no mean feat).  Started to drive out and found out why the park was free.  The road in was simple, but one way.  The road out was a typical 14th century lane built for donkeys not Fords.  You read about these streets where peole get jammed in a camper van, we nearly got jammed in a Ford Focus.  It got to a really narrow point with stone walls on one side and some steps on the other.  I closed my eyes and we teleported through the gap.  From then on it was easy with several inches clearance on both sides.  Two lessons here, don't drive into 14th century towns, rent a Fiat Bambina.  Still I can laugh about it now.

Back home to the villa.  Nice drive back.

Guess who

Tricia's Diary says:

Another cloudy day.  Went to Assisi.  Lovely Place.  St Francis of Assisi was born here.  Churches beautiful.