Umbrian Hill Towns

[gillo]

Umbria has hills. It also has a long history of violence and warfare on an epic scale. Consequently, people were less likely to build their towns on the plains, near the farmland and river (and mosquitoes, as it happens) but on more or less any convenient hill.

Comments

[missus_grace]

Fantastic scenery and architecture. I'll take one of those monk wine bottle covers, please!

[gillo]

I may just have been tempted. But Swiss Guard and Pope action figures!

Thanks for commenting.

[brunettepet]

I haven't been to these places in nearly thirty years. It's actually quite wonderful that they don't seem to have changed a bit! Thanks for sharing these.

[gillo]

I think it's against the Rules to change over a mere few decades. Centuries, now...

Thanks for commenting.

[brunettepet]

Yes, but that earthquake centered near Asissi in between actually had me quite worried!

[gillo]

Italy has earthquakes. It's a thing. Most places that are still standing have withstood several already. I was impressed by the quality of repair work in the basilica, though there were some sad patches never to be restored. :-(

It sounds like a good reason to visit Italy again.

[petzipellepingo]

Lots of hills and lots of steps. And a very nice candy store.

[gillo]

They do gelati like it's a religion. And the best are certainly heaven to taste!

[enigmaticblues]

Wow! I love the windows. And the stone is so pretty!

[gillo]

Everything about it is pretty!

[curiouswombat]

Such a lovely view from the top of that lift.

The view of Assisi makes me think of Minas Tirith - I am sure such towns influenced Tolkien.

I love the idea of double-stacked cathedrals.

[gillo]

It really was gorgeous.

Two cathedrals in one is a good space-saving idea - it shows just how wealthy mediaeval Assisi was. (Dave says I shouldn't call it a cathedral, as it doesn't have a Bishop's seat, but the Pope has a seat there, and he's Bishop of Rome...)

I agree about the Minas Tirithness of these hill-towns. I think culturally Gondor has a similar relationship to Rohan as mediaeval Italy had to Saxon England.