Day 11 - Valfabricca to Assisi

The last day of walking and a beautiful day for it. Not a hint of rain in the air and the sun was shining.

Leaving after breakfast at the Bar della Fontana and up the first hill of the day. On leaving Valfabbrica there was a long wall of murals of the life of St Francis.

The high ridge in front of Valfabricca was not much of a challenge and within a few km one could see the first glimpse of Assisi, or rather the Rocco Maggiore that looms above the town.

First sight of Assisi

Also at the ridge there was a Iron cross that slightly mirrors the Cruz de Ferro on the Camino de Santiago. Same principle - a metal cross on a hill of pilgrims' stones. I say "slightly" as this cross is only 2m high so lacks the wow factor of the one in Spain.

Iron Cross

After another few km, one could see the basilica on its position on the side of the hill.

Inevitably, before arriving at Assisi, there was a steep descent to a little statue raised to Padre Pio. Then there was a choice - a walk along the roads or a walk through the woods up to the basilica. It had to be the woods. Slightly bizarrely, there was no entrance fee into the woods but a small lodge at the exit at the top. But one got a reduced price for being a pilgrim and also a stamp so it wasn't too bad.

Statue of Padre Pio

Assisi is a super town. The first stop was at the packed pilgrim office where, to my delight, Margot greeted me with a licked face and then promptly fell asleep. To my disgust, Margot was not allowed into the basilica - I can understand random dogs could be barred but a sweet little dog who has walked the camino? Should be allowed in. It is a St Francis church after all.

Anyway, testamonium in hand, I headed off to explore Assisi. A group of us had a farewell dinner in a restaurant high up in town with super views across the valley. Assisi can't be done in one afternoon so I had planned two nights in town.

The next day I visited many great sites - too many to list here but two of the most special were the Cathedral of St Ruffino and the Rocco Maggiore.

The cathedral was stunning. Inside, the main body of the church had been baroque'd but the crypts were super and pure romanesque.

Incredibly the Roman foundations were still intact from where this area had been a cistern and possibly a forum.

Awesome engineering

The Rocco Maggiore was well worth the climb (this time without a rucksack) as the views from the top were stunning. There was also a sweet little bar tucked into the entrance courtyard which provided a much needed drink.

The last evening ended back at the same restaurant - Le Terrazze di Properzio. What a wonderful way to end a pilgrimage!