Description:
The “Forest of Saint Francis” spreads from the historical center of Assisi and is scattered with relics that tell the story of a land inhabited for centuries, surrounded by an evergrowing woodland. This landscape restoration project required accurate naturalistic and historical researches beforehand, among which a detailed survey of a pre-existing network of paths that highlighted two main tracks, that were rearranged and completed. The first one goes from the square outside the Upper Basilica to the Santa Croce complex. The second one leads to the Third Paradise, work of land art by Michelagelo Pistoletto. The conservation-restoration of Santa Croce, that dates back to the 13th century, included the church, its 16th century fresco, the ruins of the benedictine Pilgrim Hostel and the Mill. The medieval tower standing by the Third Paradise Glade was also restored and now offers a panoramic vista on Pistoletto’s work of art.