Family Adventure in the Heart of Assisi

Echoes of Empires and Faith

Today was a journey through time, peeling back the layers of Assisi to reveal its ancient Roman roots and its enduring spiritual heart. It's fascinating how this town manages to hold so much history within its walls, each era leaving its mark on the landscape and the culture. Today, Lena, Sophia and I explored the Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum, followed by the Assisi Diocesan Museum, each offering a unique perspective on Assisi's rich past.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Nonna Nini. The reviews online were raving about their unique blend of Indian and Italian cuisine. I was intrigued, and it certainly didn't disappoint. I opted for a simple Italian breakfast of cornetto and cappuccino, while Lena, ever the adventurous one, tried their fusion dish, which she described as a delightful explosion of flavors. Sophia, of course, stuck to her usual Nutella-filled croissant. The owner, Tracy, was incredibly friendly and spoke fluent English, which made ordering a breeze. It's always a pleasure to start the day with a great meal and warm hospitality.

Fueled up and ready to explore, we made our way to the Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum. Located beneath the Piazza del Comune, this site was discovered in the 19th century and offers a glimpse into the ancient Roman city of Asisium. Walking through the crypt of the former Church of San Niccolò, we found ourselves surrounded by ancient artifacts: urns, sarcophagi, and steles, each telling a silent story of a bygone era.

Sophia was particularly fascinated by the remains of a small temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux. I tried to explain the significance of these figures in Roman mythology, but her attention was quickly diverted to some enlargements of Roman frescoes found underground. Kids that age love colorful things, I guess. Lena, with her architect's eye, was captivated by the structural elements, pointing out the ingenious engineering that allowed these buildings to stand for centuries.

History is not just a collection of dates and facts; it's a living narrative that shapes who we are.

After spending a couple of hours immersed in the Roman era, we decided to grab lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria I Monaci. The aroma of pizza wafted through the air as we approached, and Sophia's eyes lit up. We ordered a Margherita pizza to share, along with some pasta for Lena and me. The service was quick and friendly, and the prices were reasonable. It was the perfect spot for a casual family lunch.

In the afternoon, we visited the Assisi Diocesan Museum. Housed in the Palazzo dei Canonici, this museum showcases a collection of sacred art and artifacts from the Assisi Cathedral. The museum is divided into nine sections, and it's objective is to preserve and enhance the most important works from the cathedral and some neighboring oratories. As we walked through the halls, we were struck by the beauty and serenity of the artwork. Lena was particularly drawn to the paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries, while I was fascinated by the archaeological finds, including sculpted capitals and a sarcophagus from the 2nd century AD.

Sophia, surprisingly, was captivated by the crypt of San Rufino, a Romanesque jewel decorated with rare frescoes. I explained to her that this was one of the places where St. Francis used to pray, which seemed to pique her interest. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding, sharing these experiences and watching Sophia connect with history and culture in her own way.

Before dinner, I took a little time to explore Massimiliano Della Vedova's shop. It's a small but fascinating place, filled with unique artisanal products. I ended up buying a handcrafted leather journal, thinking it would be perfect for jotting down my thoughts and observations during our travels. Supporting local artisans is something I always try to do, as it helps preserve traditional crafts and contributes to the local economy.

For our final meal of the day, we dined at La Locanda del Cardinale. This restaurant came highly recommended, not only for its cuisine but also for its unique setting. The allure is enhanced by the presence of a transparent floor that provides views of Roman ruins, turning every dining moment into a journey through time. We started with some local Umbrian specialties, such as truffle pasta and roasted pigeon. The flavors were rich and complex, and the presentation was impeccable.

As we savored our meal, we talked about the day's adventures and reflected on the incredible history that surrounds us in Assisi. It's humbling to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and to witness the layers of civilization that have shaped this town over the centuries. The transparent floor offering a glimpse into Roman ruins beneath us as we ate dinner was a perfect metaphor for Assisi itself: a place where the past is always present, informing and enriching the present.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Chiesa di San Pietro and Sala Delle Volte, continuing our exploration of Assisi's hidden gems. We'll also be having breakfast at La Fortezza Restaurant, lunch at La piazzetta delle erbe, and dinner at Ristorante Buca di San Francesco - ASSISI. And perhaps I'll sneak away for a quick drink at Caffè Duomo ASSISI.

As I write this, I'm reminded of something Lena said earlier today: History is not just a collection of dates and facts; it's a living narrative that shapes who we are. And indeed, Assisi is a place where that narrative comes alive, inviting us to connect with the past and to reflect on our place in the ongoing story of humanity.

I'm also reminded of the Laudato Sie exhibition running until October 12th. It is a celebration of the Franciscan vision of harmony between humanity, nature and the universe. It's something I have been meaning to check out, and I think tomorrow might be the day.


Explore the rich history of Assisi at the Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum, where ancient artifacts bring the past to life.


Explore the Assisi Diocesan Museum, where history and art converge in the heart of Assisi's spiritual landscape.


Discover Nonna Nini: A Culinary Fusion of Indian, Italian & Mediterranean Flavors in the Heart of Assisi.


Experience authentic Italian dining at Ristorante Pizzeria I Monaci in Assisi – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.


Explore Assisi's unique souvenirs and artisan gifts at Massimiliano Della Vedova, where local craftsmanship meets Italian charm.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Locanda del Cardinale in Assisi - where tradition meets elegance amidst stunning scenery.