Monday, February 4, 2013

The Town That Time Forgot


Assisi, Italy
Stepping out of the tour bus and onto the uneven cobblestone street, I felt transported back in time.  As I looked around, lush landscape and rolling hills were visible as far as the eye could see.  A stone staircase carved out of the hillside was the only path that led to the charming town that time forgot. 
Passing through the massive medieval gate and into the heart of the city, I was greeted by an array of wild flowers whose intoxicating fragrance filled my senses.  I was entranced by the peacefulness and charm of the city.  The ancient stone buildings, the Franciscan monks in brown wool robes strolling the narrow cobblestone streets, the merchants displaying their wares in the windows of quaint shops, the ancient basilica nestled in the hillside. 
Sitting atop the rolling hills of the Italian countryside in the Umbria region of Italy lays the ancient town of Assisi.  Best known for being the birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy, Assisi is a destination not to be missed.