Upon arriving in Cortona, a town made famous by the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”, we were told we had a short 5 minute climb to the city center. Our guide was a nice young man, but boy did he lie about that climb. It was a steep 45 degree incline that went on for way too long. By the time we reached the top everyone was winded and let’s just say the climb yesterday to the lookout point was nothing compared to this. We had an hour to explore on our own so we chose to visit the Cathedral and a nearby church and monastery. Every road in that town seemed to be a steep climb up so we were okay when it was time to leave. Although that entry road was almost as challenging going down as it was going up!
Our next stop was Lake Trasimeno, the 4th largest lake in Italy. We weren’t sure what to expect but we were not expecting the beauty of a massive lake nestled in the middle of Tuscany.
Up next was the town of Assisi It’s hard to explain the beauty of this town. It was overwhelming at times hearing about the various places and the life of St Francis. St Francis of Assisi was born there, received his call from Jesus to follow him there, founded his Order there and returned at the end of his life to die there. We visited 3 separate churches, one of which held the crypt with his remains and two churches in itself. The first church was the Basilica of St Claire. It was a very large church that held her remains underneath it, that we were able to see. We were not able to take pictures in this church, only of the outside. St Claire was a follower of St Francis. The second church was the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi and held the remains of St Francis in the crypt, a church dedicated to his death in the middle and a church dedicated to his life at the top. All three levels were breathtaking but again no pictures were allowed inside.
The last church that we visited was the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli that was built around the church were St Francis received his call from Jesus to “rebuild my house”. In the picture below you will see the tiny church where he received his call, surrounded and protected by the Cathedral walls. It was beautiful to realize that the church build around it is so much like our Mother Mary, wrapping her arms around us and protecting us, just as she protects this tiny church.
I’m typing this on the bus ride back to Florence. It’s already a 2+ hour drive back but then add to that a Florence soccer game in town tonight and it’s making this ride even longer. We’re hoping to make it back for our dinner reservation at 8:15pm. Yes, that’s a real time they eat dinner here!
Today marks our 10th wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 10 years as some parts felt like a lifetime! But every day I get spend it alongside my best friend and the love of my life. And being able to share our beautiful faith together has added to the joys and adventures that we’ve been on. St Claire, pray for us. St Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
What a great way to spend your 10th wedding anniversary! You are both blessed to have eachother and such a wonderful family! Thanks for the amazing pictures!
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