Travel guide – assisi

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Overview

The picturesque hill town of Assisi, to the east of Perugia, is famous as the birthplace of St Francis, a 12th-century monk who founded the Franciscan order devoted to achieving an ‘abundance of the divine’ through the practise of ascetism, poverty and chastity. Tourists and pilgrims flock to the bustling town for inspiration and worship, and a multitude of conferences, festivals and other religious activities are dedicated to this aim. Approaching the town is a visual spectacle of shimmering white marble buildings perched halfway up Mount Subasio. The town is set against the backdrop of the towering 14th-century hill fortress of the Rocca Maggiore, a landmark with which to orientate oneself from inside the city’s medieval ramparts. The most loved and visited church in Italy is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco containing frescoes by Giotto commemorating the life of St Francis. Other notable works include paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini’s frescoes based on the life of St Martin. St Francis’ tomb rests below the lower church.

Climate

The Costa de Estoril on Portugal's west coast has cold and rainy winters with warm weather between May and September. Even during the height of summer temperatures are pleasant, seldom rising more than 80°F (27°C), and moderated by cool sea breezes.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Cases of the

N1 bird flu were found in swans in southern Italy and Sicily, but there is a low risk of human infection; as a precaution all close contact with wild, caged and domestic birds should be avoided, and poultry and egg dishes should be cooked thoroughly.

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