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Resources & References

Resources & References

Umbria And Le Marche, Italy

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps

    Navigation, POI search, public transport. Download offline maps.

  • Google Translate

    Real-time translation. Download Italian language pack.

  • Trenitalia

    Official app for train schedules, tickets.

  • Moovit or Busitalia Umbria

    Local bus schedules for Assisi and Umbria.

  • WhatsApp

    Widely used for communication with locals, guides, businesses.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Official Assisi Tourism Website

    Accurate local info, events.

  • Umbria Tourism Website

    Broader regional info.

  • Trenitalia.com

    National train schedules and tickets.

  • Viator or GetYourGuide

    Browse and book tours/experiences.

  • Accommodation Booking Sites

    Booking.com or Airbnb.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

General Italy Guidebook: Comprehensive overview. Umbria Specific Guidebook: Detailed info on smaller towns, hiking, culinary. Local Maps: Free maps at tourist information offices.

Books about the Destination

"Saint Francis of Assisi" by G.K. Chesterton: Insightful biography. "The Little Flowers of Saint Francis": Legends and stories. "A Thousand Days in Tuscany" by Marlena de Blasi: Central Italian life, food, culture.

Local Publications

Look for free local newspapers or tourist magazines, often available at tourist offices or hotels. These provide current event listings, exhibition details, and local dining recommendations.

Medical & Health Information

Emergency Numbers

  • European Emergency Number (all services): 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire). Operators often assist in English.
  • Police (Carabinieri): 112 (or 113 for general emergencies).
  • Ambulance: 118.
  • Fire Department: 115.

Hospitals & Clinics

  • Main public hospital: Ospedale di Assisi, Località Rivotorto, just outside historic center.
  • For serious emergencies: Larger hospitals in nearby Perugia (e.g., Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia).

Important Information

Guidebooks and Maps

  • General Italy Guidebook
  • Umbria Specific Guidebook
  • Local Maps from tourist info
  • Books on St. Francis

Digital Content & Podcasts

  • Podcasts on Umbrian history/culture
  • Digital content on St. Francis
  • Official tourism social media
  • Online travel forums

Language Learning

  • Apps like Duolingo or Babbel
  • Pimsleur for in-depth programs
  • Learning basic Italian phrases

Emergency & Safety

Critical Contacts

Emergency Services

  • 112: All European services
  • 113: General Police
  • 118: Ambulance
  • 115: Fire Department

Hospitals

  • Ospedale di Assisi
  • Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia (Perugia)
  • Local clinics
  • Urgent care centers

Embassy/Consulate

  • Location and contact in Rome
  • Assistance for lost passports
  • Medical crises support
  • Emergency travel documents

Medical & Travel Insurance

Health Prep

  • Confirm recommended vaccinations with your doctor.
  • Carry necessary prescription medications.
  • Know your blood type.

Insurance

  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Cover medical emergencies.
  • Trip cancellation/interruption.

Transportation & Booking Advice

Transportation

  • Local bus (Line C) for train station/historic center.
  • Walking within town is recommended.
  • Train generally faster from Rome/Florence.

Accommodation

  • Monastery/convent guest houses are simple and affordable.
  • B&Bs for personal connection.
  • Book high-season accommodation well in advance.

Lost Documents & Natural Disasters

Lost Document Procedures

  1. Report immediately to local police ("Questura").
  2. Obtain a police report.
  3. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance.
  4. For obtaining emergency travel documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  1. Central Italy is an active seismic zone.
  2. Minor tremors can occur.
  3. In an earthquake, follow official guidance: "drop, cover, and hold on."
  4. Be aware of designated evacuation points or assembly areas.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

"Brother Sun, Sister Moon" (1972) by Franco Zeffirelli, depicting the early life of Saint Francis. Look for historical documentaries on Italian art, the Renaissance, or Umbrian culture.

Music and Art

Listen to Gregorian chant or sacred music. Explore classical Italian composers. Study Renaissance art, especially the works of Giotto and Cimabue, to fully appreciate the frescoes.

Language Learning

Utilize apps like Duolingo or Babbel, or more in-depth programs like Pimsleur, to learn basic Italian phrases.

Critical Info Hub

Create a digital folder on your phone or cloud storage named "Assisi Trip" and save all important documents, links, and contact information for quick access. This centralizes your info.

Enhancing Your Journey

Cultural Immersion

Local Interactions

  • Greetings

    Use 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' upon entering shops or restaurants.

  • Meal Times

    Adhere to Italian meal times. Dining too early may find restaurants closed or empty.

  • Coffee Culture

    Order espresso standing at the bar for authenticity; sitting often incurs a service charge.

Social Norms

  • Manners and respect

    Italians value good manners, respect, and a certain level of decorum.

  • Noise levels

    Keep noise levels down in residential areas and especially in churches.

  • Public intoxication

    Public displays of intoxication are uncommon and generally frowned upon.

Planning Tools

Online Communities and Forums

Travel forums (e.g., Rick Steves' Italy forum, TripAdvisor forums) offer peer advice, questions and answers, and current travel tips from other visitors.

Booking Platforms

Platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide are useful for browsing and booking tours, experiences, and day trips. Use reputable platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb for accommodation.

Official Resources

Search for "Assisi official tourism" to find local information. Umbria Tourism Website provides broader regional information, event listings, and insights.

Logistics

Transportation

  • Utilize the local bus (Line C) between Assisi train station (Santa Maria degli Angeli) and the historic center.
  • Walk as much as possible within the town.
  • For arrival in Assisi from Rome, the train is generally faster and more convenient than long-distance buses.
  • If renting a car, research parking options outside the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone).

Accommodation

  • Consider staying in a monastery or convent guest house. They offer simple, clean, and often very affordable lodging.
  • Staying in a B&B or monastery guest house can offer a more personal connection with hosts or other guests.
  • Apartments or agriturismos with pools offer more space and amenities for families.
  • Book high-season accommodation well in advance to secure your preferred location and price.

Specific Traveler Needs

Solo Travel

  • Assisi is very safe for solo travelers.
  • Consider staying in a B&B or a monastery guest house for a more personal connection.
  • Join a walking tour or a cooking class as a way to meet other travelers.
  • Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Family Travel

  • Pacing: Do not overschedule your days. Factor in plenty of downtime and breaks.
  • Gelato: Frequent gelato breaks are a must for kids and a great motivator.
  • Rocca Maggiore: Kids often enjoy exploring the medieval castle.
  • Strollers: Cobblestones and hills make strollers difficult; consider a Baby carrier for younger children.

Local Travel Tips

Always check current opening hours and local regulations as they may vary seasonally or based on local events.