On Colle San Rufino

On a recent windy day I walked up Mount Subasio to a "hill" named Colle San Rufino. It's a very distinct rise, about two-thirds of the way to the summit, hard to miss and a steep climb from any direction. Perhaps that's why a settlement on Colle San Rufino predated Assisi. It provides good views in all directions and an advantageous position from which to defend.

There are remnants of walls on the top and side of the hill, basically built into the terrain.

On this particular day the wind atop Colle San Rufino was gusting at about 40 - 50 miles per hour, making it a bit challenging to take photos, or to stand. Soon I moved down to a more protected area, the site of a makeshift shrine that's always interesting to visit. I'm not sure who first created this spiritual landscape, or how many may have contributed to the effort, and it certainly has been worn down by the elements. However, each year there seems to be something new or interesting added or repaired. One is greeted by a sign.

Chiesa del Povero means Church of the Poor. A metal cross sits in the middle of the shrine's mountain shelf.

 Many of the icons are secured to the upper part of the cliff.

Here's a wider view.

And here are some of the religious items placed on the rocks.

This lower view includes some worn and broken pieces.

Here's a closer look at a couple of tiles, the right one including the Canticle of the Creatures in Italian.

And the Basilica of Saint Francis.

Before leaving, I spotted something underneath the upper cliff, protected by a piece of plastic.

A Nativity scene.

Finally, one of many nice messages.

"Who gives, gives to God."
Ciao.