Assisi

Assisi, Italy! :]



Population: 27,683 (as of 30 April 30th, 2009)

Province: Perugia  Politics: Geography: Located in the Umbria region, on the western flank of Monte Subasio. Assisi is a quaint medieval town that primarily draws history and art lovers, as well as religious pilgrims. The town has cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and castles, which sit side by side along ice cream parlors and cafés.

Food: Locally produced extra-virgin olive oil and truffles, both white and black, are traits of Assisi’s local cuisine. Black truffles need to be cooked before eating and are usually grated on pasta or game dishes to enhance their flavor. They are very strong in taste and a tiny amount is sufficient. White truffles are even more valuable than black ones and can be consumed raw, slivers on bread or pasta. Assisi’s cuisine is based on simple earthy food prepared with olive oil. Meats, particularly from locally farmed animals, oven roasted or on charcoals, include pork, lamb, poultry and game. Homemade pasta is also typical of this area with rich sauces such as goose ragu as well as hare and truffles are often found on local menus. Culture: Festival Calendimaggio, held on May 1–5, is a re-enactment of medieval and Renaissance life in the form of a challenge between the upper faction and the lower faction of the town. It includes processions, theatrical presentations, flag-weavers and dances. Assisi Embroidery is a form of counted-thread embroidery which has been practiced in Assisi since the 13th century. Today the town has many groups coming to enjoy the simple peace of St. Francis. One such group has restored an 11th-century room and added altars to the world's religions. Other organizations, such as Assisi Performing Arts, complement Assisi's tranquility with music and other cultural events Architecture: Mostly Romanesque and Gothic styles. The main decorative feature of Italian church architecture, and the main medium used for conveying the Church's message is fresco, rather than stained glass. Ancient Influences: Art: Assisi has had a rich tradition of art through the centuries and is now home to a number of well known artistic works. Artists Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini worked shoulder to shoulder at Assisi. The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi includes a number of artistic works. Simone Martini's 1317 fresco there reflects the influence of Giotto in realism and the use of brilliant colors. Lorenzetti's fresco at the lower church of the Basilica includes a series of panels depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus, Deposition from the Cross, and Entombment of Christ. The figures Lorenzetti painted display emotions, yet the figures in these scenes are governed by geometric emotional interactions, unlike many prior depictions which appeared to be independent iconic aggregations. Lorenzetti's 1330 Madonna deiTramonti also reflects the ongoing influence of Giotto on his Marian art, midway through his career History through the Ages: Religion and Church History: medieval town. The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (St. Francis) is a World Heritage Site. The Franciscan monastery, ilSacroConvento, and the lower and upper church (Basilica inferiore e superiore) of St Francis were begun immediately after his canonization in 1228, and completed in 1253. The lower church has frescos by renowned late-medieval artists Cimabue and Giotto; in the upper church are frescos of scenes in the life of St. Francis previously ascribed to Giotto and now thought to be by artists of the circle of PietroCavallini of Rome. The Basilica was badly damaged by an earthquake of 26 September 1997 – during which part of the vault collapsed, killing four people inside the church and carrying with it a fresco by Cimabue. The edifice was closed for two years for restoration. Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary the Greater), the earliest extant church in Assisi. The Cathedral of San Rufino (St. Rufinus), with a Romanesque façade with three rose windows and a 16th‑century interior; part of it is built on a Roman cistern. Basilica of Santa Chiara (St Clare) with its massive lateral buttresses, rose window, and simple Gothic interior, begun in 1257, contains the tomb of the saint and 13th‑century frescoes and paintings. Basilica of Santa Maria degliAngeli (St. Mary of the Angels), which houses the Porziuncola. ChiesaNuova, built over the presumed parental home of St. Francis Santo Stefano (Assisi), http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Assisi#Santo_Stefano one of the oldest churches of Assisi. EremodelleCarceri, a small monastery with church at a canyon above Assisi, where S. Francis retreated and preached to birds Economy: A ssisi'seconomy is dependent on tourism, with many thousands of visitors arriving annually, especially during the great Christian festivals. Famous Residents: Sport: Golf