This is a very specail place, and the cross of San Damiano....where St. Francis received his spiritual direction...is very moving. The close ties to St. Claire of Assisi are evident everywhere. It is essential to visit here....to gain the full inspiration of Assisi.
The whole place is grand ,Beautiful and heavenly. I especially loved the small chapel built by St Francis in the big cathedral.
Very peaceful must see place ...not crowded except with history....read up on St. Francis before visiting...this is the church he built with followers
This is the Place where you can fell the presence of both Fransesco and Chiara. Where St Chiare satt when eating, lay Down when sleepimg, where she prayed. Deep impressin.
Most prayerful environment there is. Peaceful. Beautiful grounds. Awesome that st clares death spot is marked by a simple rope and a candle. Lovely. You can walk directly south for 1.5 miles and be in rivotorto sanctuary. See the huts that the friars lived in.
Here in this place, I visited the convent of Poor Clare and wandered in the hills of San Damiano . I was moved to sing the Prayer of St. Francis softly , almost in a whisper so,as not to break the silence of the place , all of a sudden, a mana I. A strange clothing, almost a 12th century image came to the cross, looked up and looked at me moth if "grazie" I struck my breast in acknowledgement and quite afraid that he might scold me for breaking the silence rule of the place . I looked around and found so many people all transfixed with smiles, I felt I was alone but then, I had so many people around me...was this possible that I saw an apparition of St. Francis ? I know in my heart of heart that I was filled with unexplained joy... Be there and find for yourself what it was to be in communion with God in this beautiful and peaceful place.
After the hustle and bustle of the city, San Damiano is a wonderful oasis. The spirit of Claire and Francis is all around you here. Take a taxi at least one way, though, if it is hot or you have trouble walking.
About a 30 minute walk downhill to get to this chapel restored by St Francis, only for the strong legged. You can take a taxi from downtown Assisi if step walkways and many steps too much. A beautiful site worth seeing.
what a lovely experience, the site where St.Francis received his benediction. The setting is serene and peaceful, ps... there is parking there.