Orvieto and Assisi

ORVIETO, Italy

We left UD nice and early Friday morning and headed to Orvieto, a little Etruscan town North of Rome. It was neat stopping here because we are studying the Etruscan Civilization in our Western Civilization class. We visited the gorgeous cathedral and were able to see the beautiful town below, just before we were on our way to Assisi.

ASSISI, Italy

The morning which we arrived in Assisi, we visited the Basilica, also known as the Church of St. Francis. This is where the remains of St. Francis reside, which is underneath the church in an adoration chapel. Our theology teacher led our tour throughout the Basilica, which was INCREDIBLE. The town below Assisi was breathtaking, and honestly, no picture could do this city justice. The town was perfect, not in a SIMS or Pleasantville type of way, but in a serene, relaxing, ideal type of way. I learned so much about St. Francis and St. Clare on my trip. In all my years of Catholic schooling (14 years to be exact), I had only learned that Francis was the saint who was one with nature. I had never known that he receives Stigmata, meaning in the later years of his life, he literally RECEIVED the WOUNDS OF CHRIST, from the nail markings in his hands and feet, to the wounds in his side which occasionally bled on his cloak. Not only did he receive stigmata, but he additionally performed miracles and was in one with nature. I had no idea that Francis was such a representation of Christ, how incredible.

I spent part of my Saturday afternoon alone, walking the streets of this peaceful town. I went to the Church of St. Francis to pray, and I sat in front of Francis' tomb. It was incredible. On Sunday we toured the Church of St. Clare and San Damiano. Francis spent a lot of his ministry at these churches and St. Clare's church still holds the crucifix which spoke to Francis, restoring him. When we left Assisi, we went to Santa Maria degli Angeli or the Church of St. Mary of the Angels. This church was gorgeous, with angels guarding the outside and the original chapel founded in 1209, used by Franciscans and Francis himself. Additionally, this is Francis' death place. The chapel in side was amazing, it is incredible that it has been preserved and is still in use.






Saturday night we had a nice dinner at our hotel and a wine tasting led by our campus priest, with Umbrian wines. We tried three different red wines offered by the university, and a last dessert wine offered by the wine bar that sponsored us. I purchased 2 bottles: Saio, a medium priced wine-good with meats and cheese, and the dessert wine, Vino and Visciole-a dark cherry wine. Both are delicious and I hope to save them for when I am back in the states to share with a special someone... :)





Overall, the trip was incredible. All three stops held their own uniquenesses (is that a word?). I loved all three and they each had something special to offer. I enjoyed Assisi the most; having the opportunity to walk where saints have walked and to see the tombs of both Clare and Francis was amazing.