Have you ever been in a place that quite literally made you feel like you were in storybook?
I mean, I’m talking about a place that makes you feel like people will start opening their shutters and start singing from their windows in perfect unison? (Think Beauty and the Beast, but Italian).
Today, I felt that way in Assisi.
Tucked on top of a hill in central Italy’s Umbria region, Assisi is one of the best preserved medieval towns. While it is the birthplace of St. Francis, it serves as a pilgrimage site for many Catholics.
Although, you don’t have to be religious to enjoy the charm of this picturesque village.
After a few fast-paced days in Rome, the arrival in Assisi felt like a deep breath of fresh air. The rolling hills made the perfect backdrop for the town’s incredible architecture. While walking through the side streets, finding unique shops and cafes, it was quiet and calming. In this moment, I felt like a part of the town, like I was truly integrated in the slow culture of Italy.
My friends and I stopped at a really great spot for lunch, and there was no English on the menu. Good sign! I had a pasta with asparagus and it was truly magnificent. It had a peppery flavor that complemented well with the fresh spring taste of asparagus, and the “sauce” was a sligtly seasoned olive oil – simple and delicious. Conveniently, there was a gelato joint right across the street. So naturally, we indulged. I got one of my favorite flavors – café.
These were the most magical moments of Assisi – perusing the little shops and cafes. Everything was so charming – handmade ceramic shops with colorful designs and adorable shapes, a lavender shop with a purple bike stationed outside, a little café with outdoor seating and flowers hanging above – it was a dream land.
This is how I found the coolest print shop with the art of Perna Alessandro. He and his brother create abstract paintings of Assisi with all sorts of colors and styles. Inside, there were works of all different styles, hung and laid out to purchase. Alessandro was such a sweet guy – I could have talked to him for hours. He pointed to a sign in his shop. It said that he was a part of Rick Steve’s best of Italy recommended places to visit in Assisi. I clearly found a good place to shop!
There, I came across a print of Assisi with orange building roofs. It was funky and charming, and something about it made me think of my boyfriend. He loves the color orange, and this was such a neat print showcasing such a unique town. Once I return home from this trip, we will be moving in to an apartment together, so I thought it would be the perfect, quirky gift to bring home. I also found a smaller print that featured all of the colors that my sister has in her living room – orange, yellow and teal. I hope they both appreciate the little gems I found in Assisi.
Unfortunately, this was our only day in Assisi. I would love to spend some more time exploring this charming village. I can only hope that someday my story leads me back to this storybook town.
