Amazing Visit to the Basilica di San Francesco
Assisi, Umbria
July 17, 2010
Ciao a tutti,
Congratulations to the second of my blog subscribers to win an autographed book—Louie Mele from Umbria!
Assisi is Umbria’s most popular destination—for tourists and pilgrims. The ancient city is filled with treasures—and among those are two unforgettable sites you won’t want to miss. The Basilica di San Francesco (St. Francis) in town and la Porziuncula inside Santa Maria degli Angeli, near the superstrada E45 below Assisi.
We just visited both places—and if you are lucky enough to visit the Basilica di San Francesca between now and September 5, 2010 for a 10 euro ticket you can visit the restoration in the Chapel of Saint Nicola.
Inside you’re given a hardhat, an audio guide, and led up the scaffolding to see close-up the artist’s work on Giotto’s ancient frescoes. It was very exciting to be so high up in the ceiling and so close to the actual art! Unfortunately we were allowed to take photos only on the third landing, and given only a few seconds to shoot. If you are in Umbria during this period, it is really worth the price. The ticket also includes access to an exhibition at the Palazzo Vallemani. For information about visiting the restoration at the Basilica, visit www.icolorigiotto.it or call 199.75.75.16.
Fuzzy view of artist's tools.
La Porziuncula—the tiny frescoed chapel used in the 13th century by San Francesco—is easy to miss because most of us drive past it, heading up the hill to visit the famous town of Assisi. Keep your eyes open for the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli as you exit E45 for Assisi. La Porziuncula is one of my favorite sites in Umbria. No cameras allowed inside—so no pictures to post. 
Wow! Right up next to Giotto — unbelievable.
He was a god in my Art History class.
Cheers,
Carol
It was amazing! I loved studying Italian art in college–Giotto was a god. Ciao, Suzanne
Suzanne, your post about sunflowers and fields in Umbria made my heart flutter! And I could go for sitting in “steamy restaurants” to get out of the heat:o)
Thanks Rita. We had a great trip…missing Umbria already. And missing you. I look forward to seeing you soon. Suzanne