Today was a huge day of touring in Assisi.  Mom was on a mission to see everything possible, so we got an early start.  There was a little bit of a heated discussion at one point about Dad dawdling, but I was a perfect tourist (just like always!!)  Of course Assisi is the home of St. Francis and St. Claire, so there were a lot of churches to visit.  Mom also found a little time to shop while Dad and I enjoyed a gelato.

Our first stop was at Santa Maria degli Angeli.  We couldn't take pictures inside the church, but this huge church has been built around St. Francis's small Porziucola Chapel from 1208.  This church was built in the 1700s and is the 7th largest Christian church in the world. 

    T   The streets and city walls of Assisi

Mom on a mission to get to the Church of San Rufino

The Church of San Rufino-after an earthquake in 1997, Roman foundations were found under the floor of the church.  Sections of the floor have been replaced with glass so that you can see the early ruins.

  The Basilica of St. Clare. See how all the people are outside-that is because the church has just closed and won't open again until 2:30 (it's now 11:00).  This was the beginning of the heated discussion about walking speeds. I don't think St. Claire or St. Francis would approve!!!! 

the view from the Basilica of St. Clare

I'm ready for some lunch!!

  The Temple of Minerva is a Roman temple from the 1st Century that was turned into a Christian church in the 9th century. 

The Basilica of St. Francis.  The church has three parts-the upper basilica, the lower basilica and St. Francis's tomb. We visited all three sections, but couldn't take pictures inside.  The entire interior is covered with frescos of pictures from the Bible and from scenes of St. Francis's life.  It is truly overwhelming to see all of this art and Mom and Dad spent a lot of time looking at everything.  This is also a huge pilgrimage site, so watching people come to visit St. Francis's tomb was also a very moving experience. 

Our last stop, back at the Basilica of St. Claire-luckily it is open now, so Mom can go in. 

Dad and I stayed outside so I could finish my slush, listen to the group of Italian girl scouts sing, and get my picture take by Japanese tourists-a lot more fun than the inside of a church.