Assisi

"Oh Lord, I think this town was once a shelter and home for bad men, with a bad reputation all over the country. But now, thanks to your big mercy, along the time, I see this town turned into the home for all those who know you and praise you, giving off a scent of holy life, of right teaching and a good name among the Christian people. Therefore I pray you, oh my Lord Jesus Christ, father of mercy: do not look at our ungratefulness, but just remember how good you were to this town. May this town always be a land and home for everybody who knows you, and glorifies your holy name, for ever and ever. Amen"

(Legend of Perugia, 99).

St. Francis' extraordinary life, together with the diffusion of the Franciscan idea is a key to understand the history of this town, true symbol of Franciscan ideals about spirituality and peace. The whole town fits this ideal picture; a medieval town where Franciscan memories and monuments are introduced like organizing hearts. Modern urban elements, influenced by the romantic interest for the middle age, have later stressed this local symbolism, and in the 20th century we can find new "hyper gothic" urban spaces. The town economy is mostly based on tourism. Pilgrims have been coming to Assisi for centuries, since the three Basilicas were built (St. Francis, St. Clara - both dating back to the 12th century - and St. Mart of the Angels, built in the 16th century to meet the crowds around the Porziuncola). The isolated, charming, town centre on a green hill still remains "distinguished", far from other old villages on the plains below (St. Mary of the Angels, Petrignano) with their industrial, living, suburbs.
Assisi with its 25.000 inhabitants is nowadays world famous as the splendid and strong "City of Peace": an eternal message inspired by St. Francis, coming true every year during the "World Peace march".