Visiting San Francisco's sister city

Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy, founder of the Franciscan order, and one of the most popular Catholic saints in history. Outside the medieval city stands the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, built around the Porziuncola ("little portion") also known as the "jewel in the box," which is the original stone chapel used by St. Francis. It also contains the cell where St. Francis died in 1226, the Cappella del Transito.

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Just outside the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli is the Rose Garden featuring the unique thornless roses found only in this garden, lovingly tended by the resident monks. Legend has it that St. Francis sought to punish himself for temptation by rolling in thorny brambles, but they transformed into thornless roses when he touched them.

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The biggest attraction of the old city is the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco, containing the sacred relics of St. Francis and frescoes of his life. At the other end of the town is the Basilica di Santa Chiara, home to the remains of Saint Clare of Assisi, who was founder of the Order of Saint Clare. The medieval town itself, accessible via outdoor escalators from the bus parking lot or a narrow road, is worth a visit with its winding cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. In the center of town stands an ancient Roman building that now houses a church, making an interesting contrast to the other buildings around it.

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Above town stands the Rocca Maggiore, a castle that dates from 1174. Destroyed in 1198, it remained in ruins until 1367 when it was rebuilt. There are three towers visitors can access through low-ceilinged tunnels and narrow circular stairs. The views are worth the hot climb (or taxi ride) from the town and the claustrophobic stairs (bring flashlights).