Maria, the boss, took great care of us and answered many questions.
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Reviews:
Guest User2024-08-03
I studied the life of St. Francis and the life of Claire before I came. I did my homework. Alessandra, my tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the lives of Francis and Claire, the memorable events, their circumstances, and all the characters that played vital roles. Thus, as we walked the Basilica of St. Claire, for instance, it all came alive. There, hanging there, was the Cross that spoke to Francis.
Alessandra explained that in the Middle Ages there was no film, radio or TV; no video, iPhone or internet. The paintings, statues, frescoes, served as cultural textbooks as it were. Alessandra ‘read’ these to me which gave me great context for understanding the lives and times of Claire and Francis. Then, of course, there are the samadhis of Claire and Francis. These are sacred sites of the first order. Alessandra showed me the way there and gave me as much time as needed to personally pay my respects.
Then there is the artwork. The Basilica of St. Francis. We spent a good deal of time there. It is simply too much to take in in one visit, but Alessandra gave a terrific head start. Cimabaue, Giotto. She told me the back stories behind their creations. She also explained the stories their artwork represented. Then she explained how different materials faded at different rates (wet vs dry frescoes) and how paints containing more iron oxidize creating a photo negative effect.
On our walk through Assisi - St Claire’s Basilica is on the east and St Francis’s is on the west- Alessandra was very helpful in pointing out the best shops, where to get information, where to catch buses and taxis, and which public performances were upcoming.
Please understand that there is a lot more I gained. Actually I am leaving out most of the tour, but I hope you get the feeling that it was a tour and a half by any standard and one I recommend most highly.
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Reviews: Pasta Making Class with Mamma in Assisi
Guest User2024-07-06
We had so much fun learning to make fettuccine, ravioli, tortellini and tiramisu with Eleonora! She is a great teacher, and dinner was amazing! We also shared many laughs together. She is the sweetest!
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Reviews: Wine Tasting Lunch in Spello withTruffle Tasting
Guest User2024-09-09
Impressive knowledge. Beautiful food, interesting wines. We arrived very early for our event, but they were kind and let us start. Beautiful outdoor restaurant setting in the centre of Spello.