Ravenna and Assisi

Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi

This past weekend I had the opportunity to do day trips with my school to Assisi and Ravenna. For my art history class, we spend a lot of time outside of the classroom, physically looking at the works of art, which is wonderful. So these were two of the trips that we had to take. On Friday (since we don't have classes on Fridays), I boarded a bus at 8AM for the little town of Assisi. When we arrived, we had to walk up a small hill, where we came across the amazing Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. Before going in, we had the opportunity to look at the magnificent view. Since Assisi sits at the top of a hill, the view was absolutely spectacular (pictures to come, not that they can do it justice.) Afterwards, we went inside the church. What's so wonderful about traveling to these places with a class is that there is someone to explain what you're actually looking at. We went to Assisi to look at the "frescas" or large wall paintings. This church dedicated to a saint has some of the most beautiful frescas in the world. Its incredible to step inside and know that this church (completed in 1253), is older than the country I live in. I'm Catholic, so there was an extra special sense of belonging for me in that church. It was exactly what I needed this weekend. And as it turns out, he was known for his kindness towards animals, particularly birds. If you know me well, you understand why this made me smile.

Afterwards, we had time to walk around the town. The town of Assis is incredible. There is no way to describe it except that it's like stepping back into history. The narrow cobblestone roads overlook gorgeous landscapes and wind up this hill. It's pretty much a one street town. It's as though you're in a storybook, and was exactly what I picture when I picture Italy.







The next morning I got on the bus to visit Ravenna, a completely different town. Ravenna is apparently a place where many Italians like to visit for vacation, because there is lots of fashionable shopping and it's close to the beach. But there are also many churches, where we went to see the mosaics that Ravenna is famous for. They were absolutely breathtaking. My favorite was probably the Basilica of San Vitale, because it was almost empty when we went and just looking around you can see each tiny piece of glass that goes into making this place so incredible. Each piece is so perfectly cut and thought out, and you can literally feel the passion that went into telling these stories. Among some other places I visited were Dante's tomb and the Mausoleum of Galla Piacidia.

Dante's Tomb

In Ravenna I also ate the most amazing piadina (flatbread with your toppings folded into it). The amount of prosciutto and mozzarella I am eating here is ridiculous. There is no way I am going to be able to go back to the school sandwich shop. Packaged American cheese will never be OK again.


Also, sorry this is so long but I absolutely must describe the amazing dinner my host mama made us last night. Risotta with porcini mushrooms. Both things I love, but this woman has the ability to make it taste even better that I thought possible. When it's not so hot (no air conditioning in a tiny kitchen on 80 degree days with the oven on= bad) I'll be trying to take cooking lessons from her.

Con affetto! <3