The pilgrimage town of Assisi in Italy's central Umbria region lights up at Christmas to mark the 800th anniversary of St Francis's best-known text, the Canticle of the Creatures. Assisi celebrates the milestone anniversary by illuminating the façades of its monuments and streets as part of the Natale ad Assisi programme, with hundreds of events in...

Italy, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. From ancient Roman ruins to Renaissance masterpieces and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, these sites embody the essence of Italy's cultural and historical significance. Each location offe...

Every year on October 4th, Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, a beloved figure known for his profound connection to nature, dedication to humility and a steadfast commitment to serving the poor. For Italian Americans, the day holds special significance, as St. Francis is not only the patron saint of animals and th...

Assisi, known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, is one of central Italy’s most picturesque medieval hill towns. While you can visit Assisi on a day trip from other parts of Umbria, Assisi is a great place to spend a couple of nights (or more). This allows you to enjoy the atmosphere in the evening and following morning without so many tourists. D...

Italy will launch two new express rail services linking Rome with Assisi in the central Umbria region and Alba in the northern Piemonte as part of a tourist train initiative this autumn. The new routes, the latest of the FS Treni Turistici Italiani services, are described as "two unmissable journeys on completely restyled carriages through the Piem...

New research by John Lewis Finance revealed the top 10 European cities with the highest number of free attractions. The findings unveiled the beautiful town of Assisi, in Italy, as the top city for free attractions in Europe. The Italian destination was closely followed by Dubrovnik, in Croatia, and Chania, in Greece.  The travel experts explained...

Chiara Offreduccio (she didn’t become “St. Clare” until two years after her death) was born to a noble family in Assisi during the time of St. Francis (who also wasn’t canonised until two years after his death). Her mother, Ortolana, was devout and taught the Catholic faith to Clare and her younger sisters, Caterina and Beatrix. But Ortolana wasn’t...

This enchanting region, known as the "Green Heart of Italy," is steeped in rich history, dotted with picturesque towns, and blessed with lush landscapes. Umbria offers a quieter, more authentic Italian experience, away from the throngs of tourists. From ancient civilizations to medieval masterpieces and culinary excellence, Umbria invites travelers...

The pilgrimage town of Assisi in Italy's central Umbria region lights up this Christmas in honour of the first living Nativity scene created by St Francis in Greccio north of Rome in 1223. Assisi marks the 800th anniversary by illuminating its monuments and streets as part of the Natale in Assisi: Città Presepe programme with more than 250 events....

The Diocese of Rockville Center, which encompasses the majority of Long Island, New York, is hosting an exhibition all the way from the Italian diocese of Assisi. The exhibition is a permanent display at the Museum of Memory in Assisi, but they take it on the road for a tour titled “Assisi 1943-1944.”  This traveling show of Italian history highlig...