30 March 2012

Gubbio, Assisi, and Perugia

 The Umbrian region of Perugia has many beautiful and interesting cities.  This region, being in the center of the peninsula, is mountainous.  Each of the cities we visited was situated on the side of a hill - some steep and some rolling.  We climbed the stairs of these cities to explore their winding streets.

Gubbio is a city famous both regionally and worldwide for its Corsa dei Ceri.  In the neighboring towns, they refer to Gubbio as "the city of the crazies."  This is because of the Corsa dei Ceri, which is an annual celebration held on the 15th of May.  During the Corsa dei Ceri, three groups each devoted to a different saint run through the streets up to the top of the town.  They carry enormous shrines of their saints and race to the plaza high up the hill.  This can be very dangerous for onlookers who might get in the way, since it is well known that the carriers of the shrines will kick and trample anyone without hesitation.







Assisi is an elegant city.  The birthplace of the famous St. Francis of Assisi, this is a major destination for tourists.  There are beautiful basilicas, numerous churches, a Roman amphitheater, and the Rocca Maggiore.  The city is small but has many corners to explore. 









Some of the best ice cream we have ever had.  I wanted chocolate, and Javier wanted orange.  We decided to get one cone with both, and it was the best decision we could have made.





Perugia is the capital of the region.  Whenever I hear the name of this city, I immediately think of a fine restaurant we had in Missoula during my childhood.  The city is of the same style as many in the region.