Marilyn's Odyssey: Assisi & Orvieto

Assisi is famous as the home of Saint Frances. He was a simple friar from the countryside who lived a life of non-materialism and preached a lifestyle of slow down and smell God's roses. In 2013 the new pope took his name. Assisi flows from the top of the hill where sits a ruined castle down to the magnificent Basilica of St Frances. Assisi is a walled hilltop town and every twist of its winding pedestrian lanes revealed another sight. The climb up to the castle was steep but rewarded us with panoramic views. The Basilica though fairly plain on the exterior was incredible inside. It was built over the grave of Frances on what used to be called the Hill of the Damned but is now called the Hill of Paradise. The interior is frescoes from top to bottom and is a visual feast. The Bascilica has three levels with a upper and lower Bascilica and then the tomb of Frances. No pictures were allowed so memories are held within. The town of Assisi is still a very religious pilgrimage and the town had many visiting monks and nuns strolling the streets. The area is known for its truffles and we had a taste of both the white and black. Delicious.

We then carried on to our next destination which was an agrotourisimo outside of Orvieto called La Rocca Orvieto. It is a working winery and olive oil producer but the facilities are definitely country resort. Our apartment had a magnificent view over the fields and surrounding countryside with a beautiful pool sitting below. We were treated to a local wine tasting and the food served at each dinner was delicious. Eric and I hiked up La Rocca which is a steep large rock at the top of the hill which gave us a wonderful view of the hilltop town of Orvieta.

Orvieta sits 1000 feet above the valley floor and is accessed by a funicular. It's three claims to fame are the cathedral , Classico wine and ceramics. The inside of he cathedral has a warm golden glow due to its windows of alabaster. The Chapel of San Brizio features Luca Signorellis brilliant frescos of the Day of Judgement and Life after Death. For us he highlight in this cathedral was the Pieta carved in 1579 by local artist Ippolito Scalza. Sculpted from a single piece of marble it was absolutely beautiful and moving.