Difference between revisions of "Assisi" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | + | {{Infobox CityIT | | |
| − | {{Infobox CityIT| | ||
img_coa = Assisi-Stemma.png| | img_coa = Assisi-Stemma.png| | ||
| − | + | official_name = Comune di Assisi<br />[[Image:Assisi z01.jpg|300px]]| | |
| + | name=Assisi| | ||
| + | mapx=43.06| | ||
| + | mapy=12.62| | ||
region = [[Umbria]] | | region = [[Umbria]] | | ||
province = [[Province of Perugia|Perugia]] (PG) | | province = [[Province of Perugia|Perugia]] (PG) | | ||
| − | + | elevation_m = 424| | |
| − | + | area_total_km2 = 186| | |
| − | population_as_of = December 31, 2004| | + | population_as_of = [[December 31]], [[2004]]| |
| − | + | population_total = 26196| | |
| − | + | population_density_km2 = 131| | |
timezone = [[Central European Time|CET]], [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]+1 | | timezone = [[Central European Time|CET]], [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]+1 | | ||
coordinates = {{coor dm|43|04|N|12|37|E|}}| | coordinates = {{coor dm|43|04|N|12|37|E|}}| | ||
| Line 20: | Line 22: | ||
day = [[August 12]]| | day = [[August 12]]| | ||
mayor = Claudio Ricci (since May [[2006]])| | mayor = Claudio Ricci (since May [[2006]])| | ||
| − | website = [http://www.comune.assisi.pg.it www.comune.assisi.pg.it]| | + | website = [http://www.comune.assisi.pg.it www.comune.assisi.pg.it] | |
}} | }} | ||
{{Infobox World Heritage Site | {{Infobox World Heritage Site | ||
| Line 34: | Line 36: | ||
| Link = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/990 | | Link = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/990 | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''Assisi''' ( | + | '''Assisi''' ({{pronEng|əˈsiːzi}} or {{IPA|/əˈsiːsi/}}) ([[Latin]]: ''Asisium''), is a [[town]] in [[Italy]] in [[province of Perugia]], [[Italy]], in the [[Umbria]] [[Regions of Italy|region]], on the western flank of [[Mt. Subasio]]. It is the birthplace of [[St Francis of Assisi|St. Francis]], who founded the [[Franciscan]] religious order in the town in 1208, and [[Clare of Assisi|St. Clare]] (Chiara d'Offreducci), the founder of the [[Poor Clares]]. [[Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows]] of the [[19th century]] was also born in Assisi. |
| − | ==History== | + | |
| − | + | == History == | |
| + | |||
Around 1000 B.C.E. a wave of immigrants settled in the upper [[Tiber]] valley as far as the [[Adriatic Sea]] and also in the neighbourhood of Assisi. These were the [[Umbrians]], living in small fortified settlements on high ground. From 450 B.C.E. these settlements were gradually taken over by the [[Etruscans]]. The [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] took control of central Italy by the [[Battle of Sentinum]] in 295 B.C.E. They built the flourishing ''municipium'' Asisium on a series of terraces on Mount Subasio. Remains from these Roman times can still be found in Assisi : city walls, the forum (now Piazza del Comune), a theatre, an amphitheatre and the Temple of Minerva (now transformed into the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva). | Around 1000 B.C.E. a wave of immigrants settled in the upper [[Tiber]] valley as far as the [[Adriatic Sea]] and also in the neighbourhood of Assisi. These were the [[Umbrians]], living in small fortified settlements on high ground. From 450 B.C.E. these settlements were gradually taken over by the [[Etruscans]]. The [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] took control of central Italy by the [[Battle of Sentinum]] in 295 B.C.E. They built the flourishing ''municipium'' Asisium on a series of terraces on Mount Subasio. Remains from these Roman times can still be found in Assisi : city walls, the forum (now Piazza del Comune), a theatre, an amphitheatre and the Temple of Minerva (now transformed into the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva). | ||
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The [[Ostrogoth]]s of king [[Totila]] destroyed most of the town in 545. Assisi then came under the rule of the [[Lombards]] and later the Frankish [[Duchy of Spoleto]]. | The [[Ostrogoth]]s of king [[Totila]] destroyed most of the town in 545. Assisi then came under the rule of the [[Lombards]] and later the Frankish [[Duchy of Spoleto]]. | ||
| − | The thriving city became an independent [[Ghibelline]] commune in the 11th century. Constantly struggling with the [[Guelphs and Ghibellines|Guelph]] [[Perugia]], it was during one of those battles, the battle at Ponte San Giovanni, that Francesco di Bernardone, ([[Francis of Assisi]]), was taken prisoner, setting in motion the events that eventually led him to live as a beggar | + | The thriving city became an independent [[Ghibelline]] commune in the 11th century. Constantly struggling with the [[Guelphs and Ghibellines|Guelph]] [[Perugia]], it was during one of those battles, the battle at Ponte San Giovanni, that Francesco di Bernardone, ([[Saint Francis of Assisi]]), was taken prisoner, setting in motion the events that eventually led him to live as a beggar, renounce the world and establish the [[Order of Friars Minor]]. |
| − | The Rocca Maggiore, the imperial fortress on top of the | + | The Rocca Maggiore, the imperial fortress on top of the hill above the city, was plundered by the people in 1189, but rebuilt in 1367 on orders of the papal delegate, cardinal [[Gil de Albornoz]]. |
The city, which had remained within the confines of the Roman walls, began to expand outside these walls in the 13th century. In this period the city was under papal jurisdiction. | The city, which had remained within the confines of the Roman walls, began to expand outside these walls in the 13th century. In this period the city was under papal jurisdiction. | ||
| − | In the beginning Assisi fell under the rule of Perugia and later under several despots, such as the soldier of fortune Biordo | + | In the beginning Assisi fell under the rule of Perugia and later under several despots, such as the soldier of fortune [[Biordo Michelotti]], [[Gian Galeazzo Visconti]], duke of Milan, [[Francesco I Sforza]], another duke of Milan, [[Jacopo Piccinino]] and [[Federico II da Montefeltro]], lord of [[Urbino]]. The city went into a deep decline through the plague of the [[Black death]] in 1348 C.E. |
The city came again under papal jurisdiction under the rule of [[Pope Pius II]] (1458-1464). | The city came again under papal jurisdiction under the rule of [[Pope Pius II]] (1458-1464). | ||
| + | [[Image:Anderson, James (1813-1877) - n. 15432 - Assisi - Carro con buoi, la fontana....jpg|thumb|left|230px|Duomo Plaza, 19th century.]] | ||
In 1569 construction was started of the [[Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli]]. During the renaissance and later centuries, the city continued to develop peacefully, attested by the 17th-century palaces of the Bernabei and Giacobetti. | In 1569 construction was started of the [[Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli]]. During the renaissance and later centuries, the city continued to develop peacefully, attested by the 17th-century palaces of the Bernabei and Giacobetti. | ||
| − | Now the site of many a pilgrimage, Assisi is linked in legend with its native son, St. Francis. The gentle saint founded the Franciscan order and shares honors with [[St. Catherine of Siena]] as the patron saint of Italy. He is remembered by many, even non-Christians, as a lover of nature (his preaching to an audience of birds is one of the legends of his life). | + | Now the site of many a pilgrimage, Assisi is linked in legend with its native son, [[St Francis of Assisi|St. Francis]]. The gentle saint founded the Franciscan order and shares honors with [[St. Catherine of Siena]] as the patron saint of Italy. He is remembered by many, even non-Christians, as a lover of nature (his preaching to an audience of birds is one of the legends of his life). |
Assisi was hit by the devastating twin earthquakes that shook [[Umbria]] in 1997, but the recovery and restoration have been remarkable, although much remains to be done. Massive damage was caused to many historical sites, but the major attraction, the Basilica di San Francesco, reopened less than two years later. | Assisi was hit by the devastating twin earthquakes that shook [[Umbria]] in 1997, but the recovery and restoration have been remarkable, although much remains to be done. Massive damage was caused to many historical sites, but the major attraction, the Basilica di San Francesco, reopened less than two years later. | ||
| − | ==Main sights== | + | == Main sights == |
| − | ===Churches=== | + | === Churches === |
| − | * The [[Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi]] (St. Francis) is a [[World Heritage Site]]. The Franciscan monastery, il [[Sacro Convento]], and the lower and upper church (''Basilica inferiore e superiore'') of St Francis were begun immediately after his [[canonization]] in 1228, and completed 1253. The lower church has [[fresco]]s by renowned late-medieval [[artist]]s [[Cimabue]] and [[Giotto di Bondone|Giotto]]; in the Upper church are frescos of scenes in the life of St Francis by Giotto and | + | * The [[Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi]] (St. Francis) is a [[World Heritage Site]]. The Franciscan monastery, il [[Sacro Convento]], and the lower and upper church (''Basilica inferiore e superiore'') of St Francis were begun immediately after his [[canonization]] in 1228, and completed 1253. The lower church has [[fresco]]s by renowned late-medieval [[artist]]s [[Cimabue]] and [[Giotto di Bondone|Giotto]]; in the Upper church are frescos of scenes in the life of St. Francis by previously ascribed to Giotto and now thought to be by artists of the circle of Pietro Cavallini of Rome. The Basilica was badly damaged by the earthquake of [[September 26]], [[1997]]. Part of the vault collapsed, killing four people inside the church and carrying with it a fresco by Cimabue. The edifice and was closed for two years for restoration. |
| − | *Santa Maria Maggiore | + | *Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary the Greater), the earliest extant church. |
*The [[Cathedral of San Rufino]] (St. Rufinus), with a [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] [[façade]] with three [[rose windows]] and a [[16th century|16th‑century]] interior; part of it is built on a [[Roman empire|Roman]] [[cistern]]. | *The [[Cathedral of San Rufino]] (St. Rufinus), with a [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] [[façade]] with three [[rose windows]] and a [[16th century|16th‑century]] interior; part of it is built on a [[Roman empire|Roman]] [[cistern]]. | ||
*[[Basilica of Santa Chiara]] (St Clare) with its massive lateral [[buttress]]es, rose window, and simple [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] interior, begun in 1257, contains the [[tomb]] of the [[St. Clare|saint]] and [[13th century|13th‑century]] [[frescoes]] and [[paintings]]. | *[[Basilica of Santa Chiara]] (St Clare) with its massive lateral [[buttress]]es, rose window, and simple [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] interior, begun in 1257, contains the [[tomb]] of the [[St. Clare|saint]] and [[13th century|13th‑century]] [[frescoes]] and [[paintings]]. | ||
*[[Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli]] (St. Mary of the Angels), which houses the [[Porziuncola]]. | *[[Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli]] (St. Mary of the Angels), which houses the [[Porziuncola]]. | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | *[[Chiesa Nuova (Assisi)|Chiesa Nuova]], built over the presumed parental home of St. Francis |
| + | [[Image:Santa maria maggiore.jpg|thumb|upright|left|The nave of Santa Maria Maggiore]] | ||
| − | === | + | === Additional landmarks === |
| − | The town is dominated by two [[medieval]] [[castle]]s. The larger, called ''Rocca Maggiore'', is a massive presence meant to intimidate the people of the town: it was built by [[Gil Alvarez De Albornoz|Cardinal Albornoz]] ([[1367]]) and added to by Popes [[Pius II]] and [[Paul III]]. | + | |
| + | The town is dominated by two [[medieval]] [[castle]]s. The larger, called ''Rocca Maggiore'', is a massive presence meant to intimidate the people of the town: it was built by [[Gil Alvarez De Albornoz|Cardinal Albornoz]] ([[1367]]) and added to by Popes [[Pius II]] and [[Paul III]]. The smaller of the two was built much earlier, in the Roman Era. However, not all of it stands, and only a small portion and three towers are open to the public. | ||
[[UNESCO]] collectively designated the major monuments and urban fabric of Assisi as a [[World Heritage Site]]. | [[UNESCO]] collectively designated the major monuments and urban fabric of Assisi as a [[World Heritage Site]]. | ||
| − | ==Culture== | + | == Culture == |
Festival Calendimaggio, May 1st-5th: re-enactment of medieval and renaissance life in the form of a challenge between the upper faction and the lower faction of the town. With processions, theatrical presentations, flag-weavers and dance. | Festival Calendimaggio, May 1st-5th: re-enactment of medieval and renaissance life in the form of a challenge between the upper faction and the lower faction of the town. With processions, theatrical presentations, flag-weavers and dance. | ||
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| − | == | + | == Photo gallery == |
| − | + | [[Image:Assisi Panorama.JPG|thumb|400px|Panorama of Assisi]] | |
| − | + | <center><gallery> | |
| − | + | Image:Complesso di Santa Chiara.jpg|The complex of [[Basilica of Saint Clare|Santa Chiara]] from outside the city. | |
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Image:Assisi 1.JPG|A street in Assisi | Image:Assisi 1.JPG|A street in Assisi | ||
Image:Assisi 2.JPG|The Temple of Minerva in ''Piazza del Comune'' | Image:Assisi 2.JPG|The Temple of Minerva in ''Piazza del Comune'' | ||
Image:Assisi Mattonata 1.JPG|The Mattonata | Image:Assisi Mattonata 1.JPG|The Mattonata | ||
| − | Image:Assisi Mattonata 2.JPG| | + | Image:Assisi Mattonata 2.JPG|Another view of Mattonata |
| − | + | ||
Image:Assisi S Maria degli Angeli 2.JPG|The ''frazione'' of Santa Maria degli Angeli | Image:Assisi S Maria degli Angeli 2.JPG|The ''frazione'' of Santa Maria degli Angeli | ||
| − | Image:Assisi S Maria degli Angeli.JPG| | + | Image:Assisi S Maria degli Angeli.JPG|Façade of the Basilica of ''Santa Maria degli Angeli'' |
Image:Assisi_Square.JPG|Assisi Street | Image:Assisi_Square.JPG|Assisi Street | ||
| − | </gallery> | + | </gallery></center> |
| − | == | + | == References == |
* Chesterton, G. K. 1924. ''St. Francis of Assisi''. New York: George H. Doran Co. | * Chesterton, G. K. 1924. ''St. Francis of Assisi''. New York: George H. Doran Co. | ||
* House, Adrian. 2001. ''Francis of Assisi''. New York: HiddenSpring. ISBN 1587680092 and ISBN 9781587680090 | * House, Adrian. 2001. ''Francis of Assisi''. New York: HiddenSpring. ISBN 1587680092 and ISBN 9781587680090 | ||
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{{World Heritage Sites in Italy}} | {{World Heritage Sites in Italy}} | ||
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| − | {{credit| | + | |
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| + | {{credit|217336082}} | ||
[[Category:Geography]] | [[Category:Geography]] | ||
[[Category:Europe]] | [[Category:Europe]] | ||
[[Category:World Heritage Sites]] | [[Category:World Heritage Sites]] | ||
Revision as of 18:36, 13 June 2008
Comune di Assisi
| |
|---|---|
 Municipal coat of arms | |
  | |
| Country |  Italy
|
| Region | Umbria |
| Province | Perugia (PG) |
| Mayor | Claudio Ricci (since May 2006) |
| Elevation | 424 m (1,391 ft) |
| Area | 186 km² (72 sq mi) |
| Population (as of December 31, 2004) | |
| - Total | 26,196 |
| - Density | 141/km² (365/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | 43°04′N 12°37′E |
| Gentilic | Assisani |
| Dialing code | 075 |
| Postal code | 06081 |
| Frazioni | see list |
| Patron | St. Rufinus |
| - Day | August 12 |
| Website: www.comune.assisi.pg.it | |
| Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites* | |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| |
| State Party | Italy
|
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, ii, iii, iv, vi |
| Reference | 990 |
| Region** | Europe and North America |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2000 (24th Session) |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO. | |
Assisi (pronounced /əˈsiːzi/ or /əˈsiːsi/) (Latin: Asisium), is a town in Italy in province of Perugia, Italy, in the Umbria region, on the western flank of Mt. Subasio. It is the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara d'Offreducci), the founder of the Poor Clares. Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows of the 19th century was also born in Assisi.
History
Around 1000 B.C.E. a wave of immigrants settled in the upper Tiber valley as far as the Adriatic Sea and also in the neighbourhood of Assisi. These were the Umbrians, living in small fortified settlements on high ground. From 450 B.C.E. these settlements were gradually taken over by the Etruscans. The Romans took control of central Italy by the Battle of Sentinum in 295 B.C.E. They built the flourishing municipium Asisium on a series of terraces on Mount Subasio. Remains from these Roman times can still be found in Assisi : city walls, the forum (now Piazza del Comune), a theatre, an amphitheatre and the Temple of Minerva (now transformed into the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva).
In 238 C.E. Assisi was converted to Christianity by bishop Rufino, who was martyred at Costano. According to tradition, his remains rest in the Cathedral Church of San Rufino in Assisi.
The Ostrogoths of king Totila destroyed most of the town in 545. Assisi then came under the rule of the Lombards and later the Frankish Duchy of Spoleto.
The thriving city became an independent Ghibelline commune in the 11th century. Constantly struggling with the Guelph Perugia, it was during one of those battles, the battle at Ponte San Giovanni, that Francesco di Bernardone, (Saint Francis of Assisi), was taken prisoner, setting in motion the events that eventually led him to live as a beggar, renounce the world and establish the Order of Friars Minor.
The Rocca Maggiore, the imperial fortress on top of the hill above the city, was plundered by the people in 1189, but rebuilt in 1367 on orders of the papal delegate, cardinal Gil de Albornoz.
The city, which had remained within the confines of the Roman walls, began to expand outside these walls in the 13th century. In this period the city was under papal jurisdiction.
In the beginning Assisi fell under the rule of Perugia and later under several despots, such as the soldier of fortune Biordo Michelotti, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, duke of Milan, Francesco I Sforza, another duke of Milan, Jacopo Piccinino and Federico II da Montefeltro, lord of Urbino. The city went into a deep decline through the plague of the Black death in 1348 C.E.
The city came again under papal jurisdiction under the rule of Pope Pius II (1458-1464).
In 1569 construction was started of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. During the renaissance and later centuries, the city continued to develop peacefully, attested by the 17th-century palaces of the Bernabei and Giacobetti.
Now the site of many a pilgrimage, Assisi is linked in legend with its native son, St. Francis. The gentle saint founded the Franciscan order and shares honors with St. Catherine of Siena as the patron saint of Italy. He is remembered by many, even non-Christians, as a lover of nature (his preaching to an audience of birds is one of the legends of his life).
Assisi was hit by the devastating twin earthquakes that shook Umbria in 1997, but the recovery and restoration have been remarkable, although much remains to be done. Massive damage was caused to many historical sites, but the major attraction, the Basilica di San Francesco, reopened less than two years later.
Main sights
Churches
- The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (St. Francis) is a World Heritage Site. The Franciscan monastery, il Sacro Convento, and the lower and upper church (Basilica inferiore e superiore) of St Francis were begun immediately after his canonization in 1228, and completed 1253. The lower church has frescos by renowned late-medieval artists Cimabue and Giotto; in the Upper church are frescos of scenes in the life of St. Francis by previously ascribed to Giotto and now thought to be by artists of the circle of Pietro Cavallini of Rome. The Basilica was badly damaged by the earthquake of September 26, 1997. Part of the vault collapsed, killing four people inside the church and carrying with it a fresco by Cimabue. The edifice and was closed for two years for restoration.
- Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary the Greater), the earliest extant church.
- The Cathedral of San Rufino (St. Rufinus), with a Romanesque façade with three rose windows and a 16th‑century interior; part of it is built on a Roman cistern.
- Basilica of Santa Chiara (St Clare) with its massive lateral buttresses, rose window, and simple Gothic interior, begun in 1257, contains the tomb of the saint and 13th‑century frescoes and paintings.
- Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels), which houses the Porziuncola.
- Chiesa Nuova, built over the presumed parental home of St. Francis
Additional landmarks
The town is dominated by two medieval castles. The larger, called Rocca Maggiore, is a massive presence meant to intimidate the people of the town: it was built by Cardinal Albornoz (1367) and added to by Popes Pius II and Paul III. The smaller of the two was built much earlier, in the Roman Era. However, not all of it stands, and only a small portion and three towers are open to the public.
UNESCO collectively designated the major monuments and urban fabric of Assisi as a World Heritage Site.
Culture
Festival Calendimaggio, May 1st-5th: re-enactment of medieval and renaissance life in the form of a challenge between the upper faction and the lower faction of the town. With processions, theatrical presentations, flag-weavers and dance.
Assisi Embroidery is a form of counted-thread embroidery which has been practised in Assisi since the 13th century.
Today the town has many groups coming to enjoy the simple peace of St. Francis. One such group has restored an 11th century room and added altars to the world's religions. Pilgrims come from many countries to the Assisi East West Retreat Center in Piazza San Rufino in the spirit of St. Francis to sit and be in peace.
Photo gallery
The complex of Santa Chiara from outside the city.
A street in Assisi
The Temple of Minerva in Piazza del Comune
The Mattonata
Another view of Mattonata
- Assisi S Maria degli Angeli 2.JPG
The frazione of Santa Maria degli Angeli
Façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli
Assisi Street
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Chesterton, G. K. 1924. St. Francis of Assisi. New York: George H. Doran Co.
- House, Adrian. 2001. Francis of Assisi. New York: HiddenSpring. ISBN 1587680092 and ISBN 9781587680090
- Stubblebine, James H. 1985. Assisi and the rise of vernacular art. New York: Harper & Row. ISBN 0064385566 and ISBN 9780064385565
- Ramati, Alexander, and Rufino Niccacci. 1978. The Assisi underground the priests who rescued Jews. New York: Stein and Day. ISBN 081282315X and ISBN 9780812823158
External Links
- Washington Theological Union. Assisi. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
- Sacred Destinations. Italy, Assisi. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
- Places of Peace and Power. Assisi, Italy. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
- New Advent. St. Francis of Assisi. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
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