What is certainly intact is the massive 5 kilometre long wall defending the town. It leads to the fortress or Rocca which overlooks the valley and old town with a menacing 'if you think you're hard enough' look. The sort of spot where black crows like to hang out.

Perhaps it was not by chance that Assisi was already a free and independent municipality when Francis was born in 1182. He rejected his privileged background and such was his impact he was proclaimed a saint only two years after his death.

The crypt of the Basilica of San Francesco preserves the saint's tomb.

Pope John Paul II gave fresh impetus to the memory of the Saint by proposing Assisi as the Capital of Peace and Dialogue.

Every year now sees the March of Peace when thousands from every part of Italy and abroad walk from Perugia to the town. An impressive sight.

And dont forget May for the Calendimaggio traditional umbrian costume festival.

www.assisiweb.com
www.sanfrancescoassisi.org