Assisi: The Heartbeat of Spiritual Italy

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore
  [pehr fah-VOH-reh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [GRAH-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi
  [mee SKOO-zee]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [KOH-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [BEH-neh. Ay too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [PAHR-lee een-GLAY-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-PEES-koh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-RAY veh-DEH-reh eel MEH-noo, pehr fah-VOH-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn MAHN-joh KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-LOO-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-RAY pah-GAH-reh, pehr fah-VOH-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-YOO-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vy VEE-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [KYAH-mah lah poh-LEE-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [KYAH-mah oon doh-TOH-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee SOH-noh PEHR-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh MAH-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-RAY kohm-PRah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh SOH-loh gwar-DAHN-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [KWAHN-toh KOH-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh TROH-poh KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [PWoh-ee ahb-bah-SAH-reh eel PREH-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh OH-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh LOO-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [SOH-noh leh dyeh-chee eh MEH-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-TEE-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-REE-joh]
• EveningSera
  [SEH-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [YEH-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [OH-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-MAH-nee]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Due
  [DOO-eh]
• 3Tre
  [TREH]
• 4Quattro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [CHEEN-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [SEH-teh]
• 8Otto
  [OH-toh]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [DYEH-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-VEH]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-DEER-eet-zoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [PWoh-ee mohs-TRAHR-mee SOOL-lah MAHP-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [KWAHN-doh eh eel PROHS-sih-moh ow-TOH-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-LYET-toh pehr]

Assisi, located in the Umbria region of Italy, has origins dating back to the Umbri tribes around 1000 BCE. By the 4th century BCE, it became a flourishing Roman town known as Asisium. Roman influences are still visible today in structures like the Temple of Minerva and remnants of Roman walls.

The medieval period was a transformative era for Assisi, especially with the birth of St. Francis in 1181/1182. He founded the Franciscan Order, which had a profound impact on Christianity and the town itself. The Basilica of San Francesco, completed in 1253, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination.

In 1198, Assisi suffered a significant defeat in the Battle of Collestrada against the Perugians. St. Francis, then a young man, was captured and imprisoned for a year. This event was pivotal in his spiritual transformation and subsequent founding of the Franciscan Order.

During the Renaissance, Assisi became a hub for artistic and architectural innovation. The town is home to masterpieces by renowned artists like Giotto, Cimabue, and Pietro Lorenzetti, particularly within the Basilica of San Francesco. These works have contributed significantly to Western art history.

Assisi has preserved its historical and cultural heritage through various restorations and preservation efforts. It remains a vibrant town that attracts millions of visitors annually. Modern Assisi balances its rich history with contemporary cultural events, such as the annual Calendimaggio festival, which celebrates medieval and Renaissance traditions.

Assisi is located in the Umbria region of Italy. The nearest major airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport, about 12 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use the bus service to reach Assisi. Alternatively, you can fly into Rome's Fiumicino Airport or Florence's Peretola Airport and take a train to Assisi. Direct train services are available from both cities, with the journey from Rome taking approximately two hours and from Florence about two and a half hours.

Assisi is a small town and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses and taxis are available. The main bus station is located near the train station, making it convenient to transfer between different modes of transport. Renting a car is also an option if you wish to explore the surrounding Umbrian countryside. However, be aware that parking in the historic center can be limited and expensive.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Assisi. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in smaller establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are readily available in the town center, and most banks offer currency exchange services.

Assisi is generally a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash. There are no specific high-crime areas in Assisi targeting tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to the police, fire department, and medical emergency services. The local hospital, Ospedale di Assisi, is equipped to handle most medical situations. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many have English-speaking staff. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is a common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't rush your meals; Italians appreciate leisurely dining.

To experience Assisi like a local, visit the town's weekly market held on Saturdays in Piazza del Comune, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with the locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a local festival or event, such as the Calendimaggio in May, which celebrates the arrival of spring with medieval reenactments and parades. For a unique experience, take a walk along the ancient Roman aqueduct path, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.