Family Adventure in Historic Assisi

A Day of Quiet Contemplation

Today was a day dedicated to the serene and spiritual heart of Assisi, a welcome contrast to the bustling streets we explored earlier. Leaving the well-trodden paths behind, Astrid, Lasse and I sought out places where St. Francis himself found solace and inspiration. It was a journey into nature and faith, a reminder of the simple beauty that underpins this historic town.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ristorante degli Orti. The Italian coffee, as always, was the perfect jumpstart. I savored the simple pleasure of a perfectly brewed cappuccino, while Astrid enjoyed a selection of local pastries, and Lasse devoured a plate of scrambled eggs. Fueled and ready, we set off for our first destination: the Bosco di San Francesco.

The Bosco di San Francesco is a sprawling woodland area that once served as a place of meditation and prayer for St. Francis. Entering through a doorway near the Basilica, we found ourselves immediately enveloped in a world of green. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. As we walked along the winding paths, the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. It was easy to understand why St. Francis found such peace here.

The Bosco isn't just a natural haven; it's also a place of art and history. We followed one of the three marked trails, each designed to highlight different aspects of the landscape. We chose the spiritual route, which led us past ancient ruins and hidden chapels. Lasse, surprisingly engaged, enjoyed spotting the various types of trees and trying to identify the different bird calls. Astrid, ever the historian, read aloud from our guidebook, sharing stories of the hermits and monks who once sought refuge in these woods. I found myself reflecting on my own life, my move from Arezzo to Silkeborg, and the quiet contentment I've found in my work as a furniture restorer. It's funny how nature can bring clarity to the mind.

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

After a couple of hours of peaceful exploration, we left the Bosco feeling refreshed and grounded. Our next stop was San Damiano, a small church and friary that holds a special place in Franciscan history. It was here that St. Francis heard the voice of Christ, commissioning him to rebuild the church.


Discover the serene beauty and rich history of San Damiano, a sanctuary in Assisi that connects travelers with the spirituality of St. Francis.

San Damiano exudes an atmosphere of profound humility. The simple stone buildings, surrounded by olive groves and gardens, feel untouched by time. We walked through the small chapel, where a replica of the San Damiano Cross hangs. It's a powerful image, one that speaks of sacrifice and redemption. Astrid lit a candle, and we stood in silence for a few moments, each lost in our own thoughts. Lasse, perhaps sensing the solemnity of the place, remained unusually quiet. I thought about my own spiritual journey, the ways in which I try to live a life of purpose and meaning.

According to some sources, the church of San Damiano was built in the 12th century, possibly on the site of an earlier 8th-9th century edifice. Also, in 1212, Clare and her group of Damianite sisters found refuge here.

For lunch, we stopped at Ristorante-Osteria - Enoteca San Pietro. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and we enjoyed some local dishes. Astrid had a pasta dish with truffles, and Lasse enjoyed a hearty plate of roasted chicken. I chose the tagliatelle. The staff was friendly and the service was good.

Our final stop of the day was the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Rose. Tucked away in the upper part of town, this small church is easy to miss, but it's well worth seeking out. Originally known as Santa Maria Minore, it stands on the site of a Roman terrace and may have been built during the Carolingian reconstruction of Assisi. Inside, we admired the frescoes dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries. The church now houses a permanent exhibition of modern works of art by Guido Dettoni della Grazia, which provided an interesting contrast to the ancient setting.


Explore the harmonious blend of modern art and historical architecture at Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Rose in Assisi, Italy.

Before heading back to Hotel Il Duomo, we stopped by Assisi Souvenir. I wanted to find a small memento of our day, something to remind us of the peace and beauty we had experienced. Lasse picked out a small wooden carving of St. Francis, while Astrid chose a postcard depicting the Bosco. I settled on a hand-painted ceramic tile, a reminder of the artistry and craftsmanship that are so integral to Italian culture.


Explore Assisi Souvenir for unique Italian crafts, clothing, and local delicacies that capture the spirit of Italy.

For dinner, we decided to try Ristorante il Frantoio. We had a delightful experience at Il Frantoio! The food and the service were excellent. The restaurant has a panoramic view of the Umbrian Valley. We enjoyed the sunset and the atmosphere.


Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante il Frantoio in Assisi, where local flavors meet stunning views and warm hospitality.

As I sit here now, writing in my journal, I feel a sense of contentment. Today was a reminder that the true treasures of Assisi lie not just in its grand basilicas and famous landmarks, but also in its quiet corners and natural havens. Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Assisi's historical sites, including the Portico of Monte Frumentario and the Rocca Minore. But for now, I'm grateful for the peace and reflection that today has brought.

The day in Assisi was a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. It's a lesson I hope to carry with me long after we leave this beautiful town. In the meantime, I'm off to enjoy a glass of local wine and a good night's sleep. Buonanotte!