This was the first solo trip I did in Italy. I departed from Ancona on 14 May and returned on 18 May 2021. As usual, I didn’t prepare much for my trip other than accommodation and objects of interest in those cities. I spent 3 nights at NH’s apartment in Siena and 1 night in a hostel in Firenze. To find places to visit, I usually just google “sightseeing in …”, compare the results from several websites, then create the route in google maps to estimate how long it would take to explore the city.
I don’t want to spend time to explain about places I visited. Too lazy ahaha. So I would just show off the pictures and some information that I might find useful should you visit these places someday.
I arrived in Assisi station at 11.30 AM and immediately went to Basilica Santa Maria Degli Angeli as it was really close to the station. I’ve been to several churches before coming to Assisi, but I think this is my first realization that churches in Italy will become points of interest in every city.
I realize that I started my journey quite late, so I spent like 30–40 minutes in this basilica before heading to Assisi. I have checked that the distance between the station and Assisi centro is about 2.8 km and would take about 40 minutes by walking. I thought “yeah why not walking? it’s my regular walking distance in Ancona everytime I visit Mba Vera”. What I didn’t realize was that the road was pretty empty, so the walk felt longer than if you’re surrounded by people and building. The left and right of the road was only green fields with only 1 or 2 bed and breakfast.
Moreover, the road was getting steeper as we get closer to the centro. It wasn’t a problem for me because streets in Ancona are waaay steeper. However, I wouldn’t refuse a comfortable bus ride if only I know it beforehand -.-. So, if you decided to visit Assisi, I strongly advise you to buy bus ticket and ride the bus to centro area. There are several tabbachi stores around the station, and one way ticket is 1.3 euro, valid for 90 minutes. So, you better buy two tickets at once for the journey to and from centro.
If you have visited San Marino, you would immediately realize the similarity between those two cities. Personally, I was quite surprised because it looked like 80% the same with San Marino: the hilly streets, middle-age walls, castle gate, cobblestones roads, and small but sweet corners of houses/shops.
I had a quick lunch at Piazza Del Comune then bought bus ticket in a tabbachi nearby. Then, I entered Tempio De Minerva, a 17th century church with baroque style. I was surprised by the strong incense smell and the small size of the church. Nevertheless, still turned me into awe for about 10 minutes, gazing at the ceiling and admiring the details of the statues.
Afterward, I went to Basilica di Santa Chiara, but it wasn’t that interesting. The main attraction was this ancient wooden cross in the basement.
The last place I visited was Basilica Di San Francesco, the biggest church in Assisi. It was the long building that was visible even from the road below the hill. The church itself was divided into 3 levels: lower, middle, and upper. All equally beautiful and worth visiting!
I intended to visit Chiesa Di San Damiano as well but it was about to rain and I had to catch the train to Siena. So, probably next time! Oh and I should mention that all places above are free to visit. Just be RESPECTFUL and keep the silence as these are holy places.
