war

#ARTMOMENT: Jews Saved in Assisi

Printing Press

Shana Tova! This is the beginning of the Jewish New Year, #RoshHashanah. During the Nazi Occupation of Italy, Assisi established an underground network to protect several hundred Jews who were in danger of being deported by Nazis. Churches, monasteries and convents of Assisi served as a safe haven, while the local printing press was used secretly at night to print papers of transit. Not a single refugee was captured in Assisi.

#ARTMOMENT: An interpretation of Italian culture and history through the mind of an American.

 

#ARTMOMENT: Holocaust Remembrance Day

Holocaust Day

In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, medals of honor were given to the families of Henry Fiorucci and Marsilio Traversini for the suffering they received during WWII. The ceremony was held in Assisi’s “Museum of Memory” Palace.

During World War II, including approximately 300 Jews were hidden in the city’s convents, monasteries and private homes. Not one Jewish person — protected in Assisi through a network managed by the local bishop — was deported to a concentration camp.

You can read more here, “Following Francis’ Footsteps: How Assisi Protected Jews During World War II.”

#ARTMOMENT: An interpretation of Italian culture and history through the mind of an American.

#ARTMOMENT: Lago Trasimeno

Lago Trasimeno

Sunset over Lake Trasimeno, known as the “Lake of Perugia.” In prehistoric times, this lake extended almost to Perugia.

In 217 B.C., Hannibal won a major victory over the Roman army at the Lake. In the prelude to the battle, Hannibal also achieved the earliest known example of a strategic turning movement.

Around 1211, St Francis of Assisi lived 40 days on the major island in the middle of the Lake as a hermit during Lent.

#ARTMOMENT: An interpretation of Italian culture and history through the mind of an American.

#ARTMOMENT: La Rocca Maggiore

La Rocca

#RoccaMaggiore has loomed over Assisi for almost 1,000 years, constituting the most viable fortification for their defense.  In 1198, a 16-year-old St. Francis once participated in storming the fortress during a battle between the citizens and the nobility. It was eventually rebuilt but never to its former glory.

#ARTMOMENT: An interpretation of Italian culture and history through the mind of an American.