Assisi for a bonfire...
This afternoon found us meandering the beautiful streets of Assisi, a town best known as the birthplace of St. Francis — patron saint of Italy, founder of the Franciscan order, and one of the most popular Catholic saints in history. This was not a trip to tour, however we were thoroughly impressed with the town and plan to explore when we have more time. Today's trip was for a reason.
Sunset was spent overlooking Assisi from La Rocca Maggiore. The Rocca (fortress) was rebuilt by Cardinal Albornoz (who also built Spoleto's iconic monument) during the second half of the fourteenth century to give the Papal State a better military set-up. As darkness crept in, on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the association of Friends of the Mountain (L'Associazione Amici della Montagna) lit a massive bonfire (il focaraccio) to the delight of all the observers.
According to tradition, the bonfire lights the way for Mary's angels home from Nazareth. (During the night of December 7th, La Madonna will stop at each Assisi home, leaving a simple gift for the children- underwear, socks, a scarf).
In front of the roaring fire, with Assisians and various other revelers, we dined on freshly roasted chestnuts and toasted our Italian dream with hot mulled wine. What a perfect way to start a holiday.
Sunset was spent overlooking Assisi from La Rocca Maggiore. The Rocca (fortress) was rebuilt by Cardinal Albornoz (who also built Spoleto's iconic monument) during the second half of the fourteenth century to give the Papal State a better military set-up. As darkness crept in, on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the association of Friends of the Mountain (L'Associazione Amici della Montagna) lit a massive bonfire (il focaraccio) to the delight of all the observers.
According to tradition, the bonfire lights the way for Mary's angels home from Nazareth. (During the night of December 7th, La Madonna will stop at each Assisi home, leaving a simple gift for the children- underwear, socks, a scarf).
In front of the roaring fire, with Assisians and various other revelers, we dined on freshly roasted chestnuts and toasted our Italian dream with hot mulled wine. What a perfect way to start a holiday.
"Start by doing what's necessary;
then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
-St. Francis
then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
-St. Francis
1 comments:
Did you talk with anyone at the bonfire? Were there children there as well?
Sounds like a great evening!
I have never had hot mulled wine...what do you think about it?
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