Numerous marble sarcophagi (from 5th to the 8th century) stand in the two aisles

On the sides, immersed in a group of many coloured clouds, there are the symbols of the Evangelists

Rainbow casting a magical arc over Assisi

Rainbow over Assisi

Road up to the Piazza del Comune

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

Tempio di Minerva on Piazza del Comune

The Basilica was built by Giuliano Argentario on behalf of Archbishop Ursicinus during the first half of 6th century

The chess set I wanted to buy ..but the shop was closed

The church occupied the site of the church of San Giorgio, where St Francis had been buried before his remains were moved

The exterior of the building consists of alternate strips of pink and white stone, with massive supporting arches on either side

The flock is symbolised by twelve sheep in a vast floral valley surmounted by a symbolic representation of Transfiguration

The giant steps to the Basilica di San Francesco

The giant steps to the Basilica di San Francesco

The interior has the same layout as the Upper Basilica of St Francis