Geraniums flourish in this town, adding colour to its panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside
[Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

It is one of the most perfect Basilicas in Ravenna
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

Its upper and lower churches were decorated by notable artists of the time including Giotto's frescoes on the Life of St Francis
[Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

Its upper and lower churches were decorated by notable artists of the time including Giotto's frescoes on the Life of St Francis
Its upper and lower churches were decorated by notable artists of the time including Giotto's frescoes on the Life of St Francis which are well renowned [Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

Medallion with a haloed portrait of Christ
In the middle of the upper register of the arch, there is a medallion with the haloed portrait of Christ

Numerous marble sarcophagi (from 5th to the 8th century) stand in the two aisles
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

On the sides, immersed in a group of many coloured clouds, there are the symbols of the Evangelists
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

Rainbow casting a magical arc over Assisi
[Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

Rainbow over Assisi
[Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

Road up to the Piazza del Comune
[Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

Sant Apollinare in Classe is about 5 kms from the town of Ravenna which is renowned for its superb Byzantine mosaics
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

Tempio di Minerva on Piazza del Comune
Piazza del Comune, the main square, is dominated by the perfectly preserved columns of the Tempio di Minerva from the Augustan era [Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

The Basilica was built by Giuliano Argentario on behalf of Archbishop Ursicinus during the first half of 6th century
[Sant Apollinare in Classe - Ravenna - Italy]

The chess set I wanted to buy ..but the shop was closed
[Assisi - Umbria - Italy]

The church occupied the site of the church of San Giorgio, where St Francis had been buried before his remains were moved
The church occupied the site of the church of San Giorgio, where St Francis had been buried before his remains were moved to the basilica in 1230 [Assisi - Umbria - Italy]