Travel-St. Francis Basilica TB02

I maintain records on my trackables. For a US-based trackable, this one is unusual for its longevity and movement. In the six-year period, 2010-16, the owner released a total of 2563 trackables in the United States (96%) and Europe (4%). This trackable is one of the 5% of the total that circulated for at least 5 years and had been moved at least 25 times. That is a target rate of at least five drops per year for five years, or a drop every 73 days. The average drop rate of my trackables in the US is 124 days, in Europe it is 71 days. As of 14-Aug-22 this one has survived for 7.0 years and had been moved by 29 cachers, for an average drop every 89 days. Please keep it moving!

No permission is needed to leave the U.S. While in the US, please drop it in a Premium Member only OR a rural cache near a busy trail or road. Do not place it in an urban cache or abandon it at a caching event where there is no security. Transport the bug in the original plastic bag for as long as the bag lasts; the bag keeps the trackable clean and dry, protects the number and prevents tangling with other items. Otherwise, take the trackable anywhere you wish.

The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscan Order.  It is in Assisi, Italy, the city where St. Francis was born and died.  The basilica is one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy.  With its accompanying friary, Sacro Convento, the basilica is a distinctive landmark to those approaching Assisi.

The basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built into the side of a hill (see the second pano photo) on the edge of the city.  The basilica comprises two churches known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church, and a crypt where the remains of the saint are interred. The interior of the Upper Church is an important early example of the Gothic style in Italy. The Upper and Lower Churches are decorated with frescoes by numerous late medieval painters from the Roman and Tuscan schools, and include works by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and possibly Pietro Cavallini. The range and quality of the works gives the basilica a unique importance in demonstrating the development of Italian art of this period.

At the top of the hill overlooking the city and countryside is medieval castle.  The Rocca Maggiore is a massive presence meant to intimidate the people of the town.  It was built by Cardinal Albornoz in 1367 and later expanded by popes Pius II (1458) and Paul III (1535-1538).

Assisi is also the birthplace of St. Clare, the founder of the Order of Poor Clares.  Her cathedral has a museum of relics related to her.

Busloads of tourists crowd the main streets.  However, Asissi has beautiful side streets to stroll, with many structures having interesting architectural features.  Many date to the Roman period.