In October, Todi Celebrates San Fortunato
Perched on a double-crested hill overlooking the Tiber River, Umbria hill town Todi – “the world’s most livable city”... View article
Anne's Blog / Festivals
Enologica in Montefalco: More Than Wines
Medieval hill town Montefalco, – often called “the balcony of Umbria” – is noted for stunning views surrounding the town... View article
La Rocca di Narni: Papal Power Reigns
During the late 9th to early 10th century, Narni was both a stronghold of, and threatened by, the Saracens –... View article
Narni’s Cathedral of San Giovenale: a Setting of Splendor
In Italy, the patron saints of cities, towns and villages are feted with joy, emotion, grande passione and splendid celebratory... View article
Assisi’s Good Friday Morning Procession: Remembered
I hadn’t missed Assisi’s evocative morning Good Friday procession in years. Until last year, due to COVID restrictions. And, ahimè... View article
Gubbio’s Good Friday: Living Medieval Street Theater
Easter liturgies have incorporated early forms of performances and role-playing – varying from short text passages to long presentations –... View article
Umbria’s Pasquarelle: Singing in the Epiphany
January can be icy cold in Umbria but a month of warmth, too: the warmth of the locals celebrating January... View article
Assisi’s Living Crib Scenes: Remembering a “Profound and Mysterious Event”
For many in Umbria, Christmastime is inextricably linked to visits to the presepi viventi (“living crib scenes”) of medieval villages surrounding Assisi.... View article
Christmas Links: Greccio and Assisi
For periods of contemplation, meditation and restoration ,St. Francis of Assisi often withdrew to various retreats – grottoes, caves, primitive... View article
Assisi’s Christmas Illumination
There’s usually a life-sized creche scene on the lawn in front of Assisi’s majestic Basilica di San Francesco, right across... View article
Agenzia Viaggi Stoppini in Assisi handles all technical support for my guided visits (bus transportation, organization of meals, etc)