On October 3rd – date of the death of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226 – hundreds of African and Syrian refugees tragically died, too, drowning close to the coast of the…
Excitement peaking in Assisi for Pope Francis’ arrival on October 4th for the Feast of St. Francis – and each day, the Umbrian newspapers leak news tidbits on the “surprises” under preparation…
I wish I had taken photos of Concetta but I still remember the twinkle in her eye, the way she cocked her head when recounting her stories. In a recent visit to…
During my Umbrian hilltown guided tours, I’m always pointing out examples of Italian passione; after all, if you don’t get la passione, you don’t get a hold on Italy. Examples are endless…
When you walk Assisi, the medieval splendors leap out at you around every corner. Panoramic vistas spread in the valley below. You’ll want to try to capture the magic in your photos.…
“You’ve brought the world to us,” Olga once told me with a hug after a banquet dinner at her home. Olga and Americo have warmly welcomed everyone into their home and both…
Montefalco, noted for its fine Sagrantino wines, loom-woven linen textiles and the stunning Museo of San Francesco, hides many a secret as well. Suor Giovanna is one. She remains – for me…
Ah, Perugia, “city of the infinite view”, as Henry James wrote. Pre-Roman Etruscan city gates, a stunning 13th-c. fountain, frescoed and wood-inlaid guild halls, a majestic medieval courthouse, a 15th-c Papal fortress,…
Finding the hidden backstreets in Bevagna[/caption]Bevagna offers something to every visitor. The 1st c A.D, mosaics of the Roman baths – hidden away in the backstreets – astound. If you can locate…
Built in local pink limestone like Assisi, medieval hilltown gem Spello wins over any visitor with its flowering backstreets, Roman remnants,medieval churches, stunning Renaissance frescoes and one of Italy’s top wine cellars…