Geraniums flourish in this town, adding colour to its panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside

It is one of the most perfect Basilicas in Ravenna

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

Medallion with a haloed portrait of Christ

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