Driving on a road full of curves past olive groves shimmering silver in the morning light, I am always elated by the first sight of Assisi. Perched on a hilltop, the Umbrian medieval city is small enough that you can wander around without getting lost, yet it’s big enough to spend an entire day.

While most people visit Assisi for its religious monuments and to view the masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue, it is a great city to wander around on foot for anybody interested in stumbling upon Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and majestic views of the Umbrian landscape.