Assisi Diary - Day 34 - Bettona, Part I

Set out early this morning for Bettona, which sits across the valley from Assisi, also strategically high on a hill.  Bettona goes back to pre-Roman Etruscan times, prior to the first century B.C.  A principal concern on this 20+ mile round trip was the roads and how safe they would be for walking.  As it turned out, there were several tight spots; however, despite the narrowness, there was room enough to go forward.  A good two-thirds of the distance was on level terrain crossing the valley.
In the early light descending from Assisi one can see Bettona in the distance.  Look for a white area just above and to the right of the dome of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Part way there I came upon a tiny 13th Century church, San Francesco dei Mietitori, or San Francescuccio, which, according to the Little Flowers of Saint Francis, was built on a spot where Francis brought forth water to quench the thirst of nearby laborers.

An image on one of the walls.

With the light early morning traffic, within a couple of hours I found myself entering the wider Comune of Bettona.

The city itself is in the distance to the right of the sign.  Bettona was recognized not very long ago as one of the towns "piu belli", or "most beautiful" in Italy.  Given the competition, that's quite a compliment.  The sign also indicates, I think, that it was an "Etruscan fortress to the left of the Tevere river", which undoubtedly is of historical significance.  Also noted for its olive "olio."

Glancing back, the sun was finally gracing Mount Subasio.

A view of Bettona from the three kilometer road ascending from the valley.

A little under three hours from setting out, I walked along Bettona's outer wall.

And found a gate to enter.

Bettona is not nearly as large as Assisi; probably a fifteen minute walk from one end of town to the other.  Shortly after entering I came upon the Church of Sant Maria, part of which goes back to the 13th Century.

The interior of the church is quite beautiful in design and artwork.  Nearby was the Oratorio di San Andrea, where I was able to take a few pictures.

To be continued....