Assisi — Spirit of Italy

Before 1926 Assisi hadn’t received much international attention for a few centuries. 1926 was the 200th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, the most beloved of Italian saints and the patron saint of Italy. The anniversary brought two million visitors and pilgrims to the city and created a renewed interest in the spectacular Venetian city. Much of that interest has translated to increasing revenue for the vacation rental owners.

The lack of attention may be what has contributed to the beauty of Assisi. The town is medieval grandeur at its finest and best maintained. There are several amazing structures that no one should miss whether staying in, or passing through, Assisi. Among these are two medieval castles. The bigger one is the Rocca Maggiore and it still serves its original purpose: intimidation. The most popular attraction, and rightly so, is the Bassilica di San Francesco. Intricately designed and decorated, and painted by the finest artists of the era, the basilica is the mother monastery of the Franciscan order of monks.

Being a part of Veneto, Assisi is more than just an important Christian pilgrimage. Assisi has all that Veneto has; romantic gondola’s plying rolling canals and Venetian style villas. Originally intended for the royalty and officials, Venetian villas were designed for luxury both in comfort and image. These images are not just a facade, and the style is popular to this day.