Assisi is like that magical place discovered in the heart of one's soul, an ancient little jewel embraced by the gentle slopes of Mount Subasio, here in Umbria.

Assisi is not just a city; it's much more than that. It's as if it's a living poem engraved on the very mountain it rests upon. And despite its modest size, its message of peace, brotherhood, beauty, and harmony with nature transcends the boundaries of streets and even nations, embracing the entire world.

Assisi is also an open embrace, a sanctuary that welcomes without distinction anyone who advocates for the peaceful coexistence of all living beings, regardless of culture, faith, or origin. It's as if it were the capital of values, a place that speaks of peace and love, thanks largely to Saint Francis and Saint Clare, the brightest stars in its sky.

Their philosophy is like a song that resonates throughout Italian culture, a spiritual impulse that expresses itself in a thousand different ways: from writing to art, from singing to poetry, to theater. And it's precisely because of this link between humanity, spirituality, and culture that in 2000, UNESCO decided to protect Assisi by including it in the list of special World Heritage sites.

“Assisi represents a unique example of a sanctuary city, perfectly integrated into its natural environment, which has continuously evolved from its Umbrian-Roman and medieval origins to the present day. The city possesses a wealth of artistic and religious architectural treasures, among which the Basilica of Saint Francis stands out as an exceptional example of an architectural complex that has significantly influenced the development of art and architecture itself. The basilica complex consists of two overlapping churches, the Lower (1228-1230) and the Upper (1230-1253), as well as a crypt, excavated in 1818, with the tomb of the Saint, where his remains lie in a simple sarcophagus placed on the living rock. The city includes 20 hamlets, integral and vibrant parts of Assisi" (Assisi's Declaration as a "UNESCO World Heritage Site").

Assisi is a place that speaks of deep, ethical, and moral values, which are fundamental for Italy and the entire world.

And now, when the world faces its greatest challenge, that of reestablishing the balance among all the creatures inhabiting this earth, we need Assisi more than ever, as a symbol of culture and as a source of healing for the soul.

And look, in 2025 we will celebrate the eight-hundredth anniversary of the Canticle of the Sun, that powerful text that Francis wrote in 1225. It is a praise to life, a hymn to nature, a prayer that reminds us we are just a small piece of a great puzzle called Earth, an ecosystem that must be respected and loved.

And then there's Monte Subasio, which seems almost to watch over us like a silent guardian. It's as if it were another world, rich in history, nature, and culture, and Assisi is its natural gateway. For centuries, this mountain has been a sacred place, a place where man and nature embrace in perfect balance.

Yes, Monte Subasio is like a living treasure, a place where the pulsating life of nature reminds us that we are part of something larger, a delicate balance that we must protect with all our love and respect.

That's why coming to Assisi is like diving into an enchantment, a magic that nourishes the soul and makes the heart grow. I know this well because I too chose to move here. It's as if every morning the sun rises brighter, every stone has a story to tell, and every tree whispers an ancient secret. It's a magic that embraces you, that makes you feel part of something bigger, something eternal. It's a magic that makes you feel good.