Ieri e oggi
The original rebel of Assisi
800 years ago, a wealthy party boy gave it all up to redesign simplicity
Centuries before minimalist trends took over social media, Francesco d’Assisi pulled off history’s most dramatic lifestyle pivot. Born into a wealthy textile family, he spent his youth enjoying fine clothes and lavish parties. Then came an existential turning point: he stripped naked in the town square, renounced his inheritance, and chose radical poverty.
This week marks the 800th anniversary of his death in 1226. While history remembers him as the gentle saint who preached to birds and negotiated peace with wolves, his true legacy was a sharp critique of greed. In a world obsessed with acquisition, Francesco argued that real freedom lives in having nothing to lose.
His philosophy was a loud, joyful embrace of nature and human connection, a lesson that hits surprisingly hard in today’s hyper-connected, hyper-consumerist world.
Heading to Italy this autumn? Turn his home region into your next stop. Head over to our What's happening section to discover a major autumn celebration in Assisi you shouldn't miss this Fall!
