Spello and Assisi

Anyone looking for a quiet and inspiring place in which to write would probably do well to rent an apartment in Spello for a year. An ancient village in the 3rd century B.C., Spello became a Roman town (Hispellum) in 43 B.C, and was crowned "Splendioissima Colonia Julia" (the most splendid Julian Colony) by emperor Augustus. It was granted the right to hold its own games and festivities by emperor Constantine, and, after the collapse of the Roman Empire, it was wiped out by the Lombards in 571 A.D. We met a wonderful elderly lady on the train from Livorno to Firenze on Saturday who told us before parting ways that we must visit Spello before leaving Lake Transimeno. So, today, we took an early train from Torricella (the train actually stops here in the mornings), and honoured her request. Michele and I were amazed at the beauty of the city and the brilliance of the city planners over the centuries. In the afternoon, we visited Assisi on the way back. The city of Assisi is nestled up on the hill way above the train station, so we took the city bus up to the very top near the old castle built 1000 (one thousand!) years ago. It is in remarkably excellent shape, and the skill of the architects who built it is almost impossible to believe without seeing it. We also got to see the funerary of St. Francis in the crypt of the cathedral. It was encased very solidly behind several layers of stone so that it would never be distrurbed. Very interesting arrangement and very special to be there to see it. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed in the cathedral, but it's definitely worth a visit. I honestly believe that we could never possibly get tired of visiting the towns of Italy tand witnessing, firsthand, the rich history and architectural and artistics accomplishments of the people who lived here so long ago and gave so much of their lives to leaving behind such a rich legacy. The people, the food, the lanscapes, the wines and oils, the coffee, the gelati...what a perfect mix of experience. We love Italy!