Visiting Assisi was different. In Tuscany and Umbria, there are many hill towns. Medieval ones with castles and Renaissance ones with magnificent frescoes in cathedrals. There are towns that haven’t changed in 800 years.

Assisi is one of those towns. Although it was originally settled around 1000 BC, its geographic location in the Middle Ages allowed it to prosper through trade and textiles. It was during this time, in the 1200s, when the city thrived, expanded… and birthed its most famous resident. When the Black Death happened in the mid 1300s, Assisi rapidly declined, effectively preserving all of the architecture and city layout from that time period.

What’s preserved, and remembered, is the legacy of Saint Francis. This is what also makes Assisi different. Saint Francis taught Christianity to the common people—in Italian, with easy-to-understand messaging. He rejected his familial wealth and lived a life of obedience, chastity, and poverty. To say this inspired people would be an understatement. The basilica in town was completed in just 2 years after his death—an unheard of timeline. For the past 800 years, thousands of pilgrims have flocked to Assisi because of his message.

And you can feel the difference. The town can definitely be touristy, but it also feels genuine. None of the churches or cathedrals charge an admission—they only ask for a donation. If women show up with shoulders uncovered or shorts too short, they are provided with shawls to cover them. Both of these practices are different from the typical Italian church.

Saint Francis appreciated nature—and this is apparent in the architecture of the cathedrals and the layout of the surrounding areas. You can see why he was amazed with nature—the scenery is stunning. You can feel the presence of nature in Assisi, and it feels pure.

The main thing to be gained seems to be authenticity. People can feel the realness, the lack of ulterior motives. That’s why people were inspired by Saint Francis. Beyond his message itself (Christianity had been the dominant paradigm in the region for centuries beforehand), it was the fact that he was genuine. He walked the walk, living in a simple hut and preaching in a simple, tiny chapel. When people feel your authenticity, and see you walk the talk, they respect you. They are moved by it, because it’s real and pure.

It can be helpful to look to these legendary figures to draw inspiration, to push yourself to be authentic and open. Saint Francis was inspirational because he walked authenticity: “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Visiting Assisi was different. It’s had a lasting impression on many, many people, including me.