Orvieto - Assisi

Orvieto –Assisi

Sunday 28^th July

Before we left Orvieto we wanted to visit St Patrick’s Well, which was started in 1527 and finished ten year's later. To ensure the town had a water supply in case of invasion or siege. The well was dug by hand, and a double helix spiral staircase surrounds it. The well is an amazing engineering feat, as each staircase is one way. The really amazing thing is that we walked down, down, down to the very bottom, and then walked up, up, up. 497 steps down and 497 steps up!

We then took the train to Terentola and changed there for Assisi, arriving at about 3:00pm. Assisi is a beautiful town perched high up the hill.   Steep walks to anything and everything. There are churches everywhere, as well as monasteries and convents. Everywhere. The town is all about St Francis. His image is everywhere. The Basilica of St Francis is very beautiful, again amazing frescoes, some by Giotto. St Francis’s tomb is situated below the basilica and is a very quiet and peaceful place. I was surprised at how much I was “moved” by it. There was a stream of people praying, touching the tomb walls, placing candles and sitting quietly in contemplation.

We strolled from the basilica back to our hotel, stopping for panini, beer and gelato, before a bit of a rest before dinner,  and another walk after dinner.

Assisi is quiet at night which is rather pleasant. Orvieto was lovely, but our hotel overlooked a very busy square, with all sorts of comings and goings all night, as well as the bells. We had to close the window to block out the sound of the bells, but then the room got a bit stuffy and close.

It is still very hot! There doesn’t seem to be any let up. We are still trudging around everywhere, despite the heat, but do look rather bedraggled and sweaty most places we go. With the heat, the stairs up and down wells and towers, we are feeling a bit weary tonight.

I am trying to put up photos. it may be a while longer.