Back to Rome

August 17 - back to Rome






And so it was that on our return to Rome we became pilgrims to Assisi.


Ascending to Assisi, to the walled city of St Francis himself, took us to the early 13th century.



Here in Bascilica della Santa Chiara he received word from God. Photos are frowned upon but I sneak a picture or two in theTempio di Minerva, a Roman edifice with a Christian makeover, and what a makeover.



Then we pass into the Basilica di San Fransico, upper and lower, past cycle upon cycle of frescos by the giants of early western art, Cimabue and Giotto and iconic images of Madonnas, Crucifixions and St Francis feeding the doves and all manner of godly and manly thing. Beneath all this lies the crypt and relics of St Francis and we go down to that holy place.





After departing Assisi we stop in the darkness before Rome for more earthly delights, food and drink. Then late in the evening, back in Rome, it is sleep.