Assisi

Assisi is a town in the province of Perugia in the region of Umbria, Italy. Its latin name was Asisium. It was the birthplace of St. Francis (Francesco Bernadone), who founded the Franciscan religious order here in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara d'Offreducci).

Assisi has a population of about 25,000.

The Basilica of St Francis is a World Heritage Site.

In September 1997 Assisi was struck by an earthquake which caused ten fatalities. The Basilica was badly damaged, and was closed for two years for restoration.

Churches: S. Francesco, S. Maria Maggiore, S. Rufino, S. Chiara, S. Maria degli Angeli.

Assisi Embroidery is a form of counted-thread embroidery which was practised in Assisi from the 13th century and is still practised today.