Assisi, Medieval commune in Umbria, Italy
Assisi is a commune in the province of Perugia, Umbria, spreading across the western slopes of Monte Subasio at an elevation of 424 meters (1,391 feet). Narrow stone lanes and ancient defensive walls define this medieval settlement.
The settlement grew from an Umbrian and Etruscan center into the Roman municipality of Asisium before gaining independence as a commune in the 12th century. The medieval flowering brought the construction of numerous churches and monasteries that still shape the townscape today.
The birthplace of Saint Francis draws pilgrims and visitors from across the world, who walk through medieval lanes and pause in its many churches. Residents have maintained the Franciscan tradition of simplicity for centuries, reflected in the design of public squares and local festivals.
The railway station links the commune to larger cities, while local buses run throughout the day between the lower town and the historical center in the upper town. The steep lanes require comfortable shoes, and many sights are spread across multiple levels of the hillside.
The Temple of Minerva from the 1st century BCE preserves its original facade with six Corinthian columns, later integrated into a Christian church. This Roman structure is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Umbria and stands directly on Piazza del Comune.
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