Evening Stroll Through Assisi

Autumn in Assisi is characterised by plenty of sunshine and pleasant daytime and nighttime temperatures. During the day, it wasn’t too hot for hikes and city walks, and in the evenings, it was warm enough to sit outside for a long time. The city was full of life, not just for the Feast of St. Francis. Our accommodation was a hotel in the west, slightly below the city, with a room featuring a balcony and a view of the old town, perfect for enjoying a local wine with a great view in the evenings. There, at the beginning of October, we could even still use the outdoor pool for a swim.

After many of the festival participants had left, Assisi’s old town once again displayed its typical Italian flair during an evening stroll. Families and friends met in the streets and squares for lively conversations, while children played and romped around. Couples in love watched the romantic sunset against dramatic backdrops, whether by the Basilica of St. Clare or the Convent of St. Francis.

Due to its location on the slopes of Monte Subasio, the city constantly surprises with wonderful views over the hilly landscape of Umbria. This means there’s always an uphill and downhill climb, and a day trip can easily involve quite a few metres of elevation gain. For the ascents from the large (bus) car parks into the old town, escalators have been installed in some places, probably due to the many predominantly older visitors.

In Piazza Santa Chiara, in front of the Basilica of St. Clare, we grabbed a drink at the bar and sat on the warm stone blocks in the last rays of the golden sunset. This would be our last evening in Assisi. We had discovered a hospitable city full of art and culture, experienced culinary delights, and gained many new impressions. There’s still so much to explore for a return visit!