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Hidden Treasure of the Month!
November, 2004 - Santa Maria degli Angeli
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Click images to see them full-size
Many of our regular clients over the years already know that one of our absolute favorite regions in Italy is the land-locked region of Umbria, just to the east of Tuscany. Essential to Umbria’s bewitching charm are its fabulous hill-top cities, including Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto, Gubbio, and, of course, the mystical Assisi.
 Mariella, with son, Riccardo, in central piazza of Assisi
Many of our regular clients over the years already know that one of our absolute favorite regions in Italy is the land-locked region of Umbria, just to the east of Tuscany. Essential to Umbria’s bewitching charm are its fabulous hill-top cities, including Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto, Gubbio, and, of course, the mystical Assisi.
In fact, this month’s hidden treasure can actually be easily found on the plains just five kilometers to the south of Assisi. This is the impressive church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. This enormous 16th century basilica (we’ve been told that it is the sixth largest church in the world!?) is visible from miles around, and yet most international visitors somehow never find the time to squeeze it into their already filled itineraries.
However, it is definitely worth the visit, for both historical reasons (i.e., it has been built on the very spot where St. Francis of Assisi died in 1296), as well as for its unique architectural curiosity. The basilica has actually been constructed around, and encloses, a small frescoed chapel built before the year 1,000, called the Porziuncola, where St. Francis named St. Clare the “Bride of Christ.” And, frankly, even if you are not up-to-speed on all the religious folklore surrounding the saint who preached to birds and animals, you will still be moved when you visit the actual monk’s cell where St. Francis spent his last days.
 The Podere La Fornace
There are many interesting places to stay near Assisi, but one of our favorites is called the Podere La Fornace, just several kilometers southwest Assisi.
 View from swimming pool towards Assisi
 Fabrizio and Bianca, with Mariella
As described by Nicole Franchini in the Karen Brown guide, “Fabrizio and Bianca, the Milanese hosts originally from this part of Umbria, restored their inherited La Fornace farmhouse, situated in this very desirable touring location, with their guests’ comfort foremost in mind. With careful attention to detail, six comfortable apartments and two guestrooms were fashioned within the three stone houses. Each apartment has one or two bedrooms, bathroom, fully equipped kitchenette, and eating area. Interesting decorating touches such as parts of antique iron gates hung over beds, terra-cotta and white ceramic tiles in the immaculate bathrooms, and antique armoires give the accommodations a polished country flavor. Le Pannocchie includes a corner fireplace, while Papaveri looks out over the flat cornfields up to a magnificent Assisi and the Subasio Mountains beyond. A small dining room has been created on the ground floor, next to the 18th-century wood oven, for breakfast and healthy light meals upon request. Besides a lovely swimming pool for guests, bikes, ping-pong, and games for children are on hand.”
To learn more about what the enchanting region of Umbria has to offer – including our favorite local restaurants and other charming accommodations options – just call or e-mail Mariella.
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