Day 2 in Assisi

Today, Day 2 in Assisi.

Took the bus to Assisi (lower town) and visited the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. This is where St. Francis died. Afterwards, took the bus back up to the upper town to the Basilica. From there, walked through the old town to a church (name still needs to be researched) with a tower climb. The view over the rooftops of Assisi was very beautiful. Immediately afterwards, indulged in a delicious Campari O with nuts, chips, and olives as a side. Then learned how to safely park a Fiat on the mountain. Afterwards, visited the Basilica of Santa Chiara, where St. Francis heard a voice from the cross from the 13th century, directing him to build a house.

Subsequently strolled through the lower part of the town and coincidentally stumbled upon the final resting place of Carlo Acutis. This young man was beatified in a short time and canonized very quickly. He lies in a glass coffin in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. He is laid there in jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt, and one might think he is just sleeping. Although he was first buried normally and later exhumed, he has been remarkably well preserved. The best information can be found on Wikipedia.de.

Then headed back towards the Basilica, but before that had Campari O No. 2 while the waitress smiled and presented the same sides again.

Quickly went to the Basilica where Brother Thomas, a Franciscan, was already waiting for the tour. It was incredibly interesting, and there was nothing to challenge Brother Thomas's knowledge of art history. He is a deacon and the director of the museum of the Basilica.

Afterwards, went down to the crypt to the stone coffin of St. Francis. There was basically nothing to see.

At the end of the day, there was a pilgrim mass scheduled. Of course, everything was in Italian, but it was still exciting.

As we exited the Basilica, the first raindrops began to fall. Not a good omen for the active pilgrimage start tomorrow.

An accommodation was booked for tomorrow against a donation at the guesthouse of the Augustinians in Spello!

Dinner was plentiful again with Vino Rosso, and then off to bed to enjoy the unique view of the Basilica one last time.