Orvieto and Assisi
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ORVIETO | The noble City
Orvieto stands on a cliff made of volcanic tuff soaring above a splendid landscape that is blessed with fields and vineyards from where Orvieto gets its well-known wines. Every wine connoisseur throughout the world can see why during the antiquity era Oriveto was also known as Oinarea, "where wine flows".Visiting this tall and ancient medieval city is a journey through time. As you stroll along the narrow streets, layers of history can be seen on the facades of elegant architectural structures. Originating with the Etruscans from the 6th to the 3rd century BC, Orvieto has seen many changes as it made its passage through the medieval era as a wealthy city-state that marked the passing of time by the strokes of the Clock of Murizio, the first machine of its kind to regulate the working hours. Sixteenth century renewed the medieval structures as they were integrated with new palaces and churches designed by famous architects of that era who transformed the facet of the city. The nineteenth century brought on a further renewal of the town with both public and private structures being added in the neoclassic style. Despite progressive modifications, the original medieval layout is testimony of the fact that the city has not lost any of its old charm, and it's one of Italy greatest treasures to be discovered.
Orvieto's magnificence is not only found above ground, but also in its underground web of man-made tunnels, galleries, cisterns, wells, quarries, and cellars within the cliff on which the city stands. As you wind your way through the caves, you can appreciate the unique underground world that tells the story of the geology of the rock and the detailed characteristics of Oriveto's history: the underground oil-press, the colombari, and the pozzolana quarries. The noble city of Orvieto offers its guests endless delights to enchant all their senses and bids them a speedy return.
ASSISI | San Francesco
Assisi is the birthplace of St Francis, patron saint of animals and environment, and has since been closely associated with the development of the Franciscan movement in the world. Situated on a ridge of Monte Subasio and shrouded in silence and solitude of the centuries, Assisi overlooks lush verdant hills and deep valleys that are often enveloped in a bluish haze that gives this mystical countryside an ethereal painted appearance. Assisi has captivated pilgrims and tourists alike, making every corner of this holy city exciting and spiritually uplifting.The Basilica of San Francesco, which houses the tomb of St Francis, is an ensemble of masterpieces of creative masterminds such as Giotto, Cimabue, and Lorenzo Lorenzetti that convey St Francis's universal spiritual messages through artistic brilliance. One is bound to feel a sense of peace and serenity within the walls of the basilica. Coming from the Basilica of St Francis, a stroll up Via San Francesco will lead you to Piazza del Commune where you can enjoy a cappuccino any of the indoor/outdoor cafes, visit the many quaint shops for fine Umbrian specialties, art that is distinctive of Assisi, and restaurants that reflect the delightful Umbrian cuisine. A twenty minute walk will take you to Rocca Maggiore, a fort originally erected as a German feudal castle in the 12th century. When you climb to the top of the round tower, you have a splendid panoramic view of the hills, valleys, and fields below and you truly feel like you are on top of the world!