Our tour this morning started in the valley below Assisi.
Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli (Saint Mary of the Angels) was constructed between 1569 and 1679 and encloses the small wayside chapel known as Our Lady of the Valley of Josaphat or of the Angels. Legend tells us that this chapel was constructed under Pope Liberius (352-366). Although abandoned and in poor condition at the time of Francis (1181-1226), it was in this small chapel that St. Francis of Assisi prayed and had a mystical vision of Jesus Christ. The Icon of Christ Crucified came alive and spoke to Francis saying to him three times “Francis, Francis, go and repair My house which, as you see, is falling into ruins.” (WikiPedia)
No photos were allowed inside the basilica, so I can’t share what I saw inside. However, the facade and outside of the basilica may give you some idea of the wonderful interior.
Next stop, the hill top of Assisi.
Mark
so much beauty ~