Assisi is particularly known for the fact that its the place of birth of St. Francis in 1181 or 1182 and that of Santa Chiara. Peace is the lifestyle in the city, a long-standing tradition started by St. Francis. But not just as goal for a religious pilgrimage, Assisi is also the famous for the nearly destroyed frescos by the medieval painter Giotto in the Arena chapel. The church of San Francesco--upper and lower--houses some of the most famous late Gothic paintings by artists such as Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and Giotto. The city itself has preserved its medieval character and awaits her visitors on the sun baked side of Mount Subasio. A day spent wandering through Assisi's streets will literally take one out of the present and back in time, with its Gepetto-like toy/craft shops and medieval stonework.

If youre not interested in either religion or culture, the city is an ideal base of operation to do some hiking. Views from the basilica's piazza are incomparable, and the air is some of the freshest in Italy.