Assisi: that most beautiful and holy city

In American History, following a sermon on a boat over from England to America, a protestant pastor and preacher referred to America as a "city on a hill." The term stuck, and in many ways it is has proved true: America's rule of law, its generosity, and the warmth and friendliness of its people have served as a beacon of hope to many.

Yet, over here in Europe, there is another city on a hill, a little less well known, but significant nonetheless: Assisi, Italy.

Assisi is one of those places that should be on everyone's bucket list of things to do before they die. It is referred to by many pilgrims as the "most peaceful place on earth." Indeed, the silence of the Francis' hermitage, the solemnity of his burial tomb, the majesty of the San Damiano cross that spoke to Francis, and the simplicity of the convent of St. Clare, all lend Assisi to be a city on a hill in its own right. It is not a city of democracy, but a city of peace and of holiness. It is from here that Francis had his conversion and went to re-evangelize Europe spreading his way of poverty and of conversion.

Assisi is also a city on a hill in a aesthetic sense: the olive groves, the cobblestone streets, the smiles of the local vendors, the rose colored Umbrian rock and the fruited plains all give Assisi a an old word charm that is both distinctive and inviting.

Below are some pictures from our latest visit to this "city on a hill":