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Unveiling Assisi's Hidden Gem: Cittadella Laudato Si' - You Won't Believe This!

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Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Unveiling Assisi's Hidden Gem: Cittadella Laudato Si' - You Won't Believe This!

Unveiling Assisi's Hidden Gem: Cittadella Laudato Si' - You Won't Believe This! (Seriously, I Still Can't)

Okay, so picture this: I'm in Italy, about to delve into the heart of Umbria, and everyone's raving about Assisi. Specifically, they're whispering about this place called Cittadella Laudato Si'. The name alone… pretentious? Intriguing? Honestly, both, battling it out in my brain. But the reviews, the word-of-mouth, it all culminated in me booking a stay. And, well… buckle up, because this wasn't just a trip. This was an experience. And, let's be real, an experience that left my head spinning in the best, most Italian possible way.

First Impressions: Accessibility and a Touch of Divine Intervention?

Immediately, I need to shout out the accessibility. I’m not even personally in need of wheelchair assistance, but seeing how expertly they've thought through things… ramps, elevators, all the right details… it’s genuinely impressive. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside (which, considering Italians' love of food, is probably a good preamble!). The elevator situation was slick – super smooth.

Inside the Room: Finally, Real Blackout Curtains!

Now, to the room! Oh, the room. Where to begin? For starters: air conditioning! (A MUST in summer, trust me). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked! (A minor miracle, sometimes). They gave me a high-floor room - bonus! The blackout curtains? Chef's kiss. Seriously, I haven't slept that deeply in years. Extra long bed? Yes, please! I'm tall, so this was heaven. Free bottled water was a nice touch (hydration is key, folks!). There was also a coffee/tea maker, which I abused liberally (thank you, early morning caffeine cravings).

The Bathroom: Clean and functional, with a Side of… Bathrobe?

The bathroom was spotless. The private bathroom was perfect, and included bathrobes! Now, I know what you're thinking: "Bathrobes? What's the big deal?" But there's something about throwing on a robe, sipping coffee, and feeling fancy that just works. My only minor quibble? They need to up their toiletries game. The little bottles are… well, a tad basic. But overall, totally acceptable. I also appreciated the separate shower/bathtub.

The Food! Oh, the Food! (And the Occasional Carb-induced Coma)

Okay, let's talk about the food. This is Italy, people. Food is everything. And Cittadella Laudato Si’ doesn't disappoint.

  • The Breakfast (Buffet, Ah!): I'm not gonna lie, the Western breakfast was amazing. Fresh bread, pastries that practically melt in your mouth, amazing coffee (seriously, the best coffee I had in my entire trip).
  • Restaurants and Dining: The restaurant situation was a real treat. They had a Vegetarian restaurant (a huge plus!). I dabbled in the a la carte restaurant - the International cuisine was divine, the soup was perfect, and the salad was so fresh it felt like a betrayal of the rest of the world. The buffet in restaurant had everything and i mean everything.
  • Snacking and Drinking (and Maybe a Little Too Much Happy Hour): There was a snack bar for those moments when you just need a little something. And the poolside bar? Pure bliss. They even had a decent Happy hour! Let's just say I may or may not have indulged a little too much. One day I had a bottle of water, but I would have preferred something a little stronger.
  • Room Service: And, bless their hearts, they had 24-hour Room service! (Though, in my defense, it was strictly for emergency tiramisu).

Relaxation Central: Spa, Pool, Etc. (Finding My Zen… Eventually)

Okay, let's be honest. I came here to relax. And Cittadella Laudato Si' delivers.

  • Pool with View: The swimming pool [outdoor] was stunning, complete with a pool with view. I spent a solid afternoon just floating, staring at the Umbrian hills. Pure, unadulterated relaxation.
  • Spa Goodness: The Spa was incredible. I got a Body scrub and a massage. Seriously, the massage therapist was a magician. I felt like a new person. I really should have used the Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna more often; it would have been amazing.
  • Fitness Fanatics: There's even a Fitness center if you're one of those weird people who likes to work out on vacation. (I, however, preferred to focus on the gelato consumption).

Safety and Cleanliness: A World of Fresh Smelling Confidence

In these crazy times, safety matters. And Cittadella Laudato Si' takes it seriously. The anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays gave me real peace of mind. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere! I noticed the staff was wearing masks, and the safe dining setup.

Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything!

The list is LONG.

  • Concierge: Top-notch. So helpful when I was desperately trying to find a good pizza place.
  • Daily Housekeeping: My room was always immaculate.
  • Laundry Service: (Because, you know, spilling red wine on yourself is practically a national sport in Italy).
  • Car Park: Free!
  • They even had a Gift/souvenir shop. (I may have gone a little overboard on the olive oil).
  • Business Facilities: Xerox/fax in business center.
  • Internet [LAN], Internet services: Wi-Fi for special events, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi [free].

The "Things to Do" Part (Beyond Just Lounging)

Beyond the spa and pool, there's plenty to keep you busy. Being a shrine, there is a lot of "spiritual tourism".

  • Shrine: This place is a real historical place, so visiting is a must.

My Quirks, Imperfections, and That One Blunder

Okay, I have to fess up to a minor mishap. One evening, feeling particularly bold (and perhaps fueled by too much Prosecco), I tried to order room service in Italian. Which resulted in me getting a completely different dish than I intended. Turns out, “spaghetti alle vongole” and “spaghetti bolognese” sound very similar when your Italian is, shall we say, "developing." It was still delicious (Italy, remember?), but the look on the server's face… priceless.

The Downsides (Because No Place is Perfect)

Okay, let's be real. This place wasn't without its quirks.

  • The Staff: I did find the staff to be a bit… formal at times. A little more warmth wouldn't hurt.
  • That Tiny Detail: The lack of a decent hairdryer. Seriously? In 2024? Come on!

Final Verdict: Go. Seriously, Just Go.

Despite a few minor imperfections, my stay at Cittadella Laudato Si' was, in a word, magical. It’s the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and that indescribable Italian vibe. The food, the spa, the pool, all contributed to an experience that I won't soon forget. And, hey, if you make a fool of yourself trying to speak Italian, at least you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery and excellent wine. So, yes, I give it a resounding "Go!" It’s not just a hotel. It’s an immersion. And a damn fine one at that.

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  • Keywords: Cittadella Laudato Si', Assisi, Umbria, Italy, hotel review, spa, pool, restaurants, accessible, wheelchair accessible, free Wi-Fi, family-friendly, luxury hotel, relaxation, wellness, Italian vacation, travel review.
  • Meta Description: A hilariously honest and detailed review of Cittadella Laudato Si' in Assisi, Italy. Discover the hidden gem, its spa, amazing food, accessibility, and more! Includes anecdotes, quirks, and things you need to know before booking.
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Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously-planned European adventure. We're off to Cittadella Laudato Si' in Assisi, Italy, and trust me, it's going to be…an experience. Let's just say I'm not exactly known for my itineraries that stick to the script. Prepare for the wonderful world of chaos.

Cittadella Laudato Si' - Assisi: A Messy, Honest, And Utterly Human Itinerary

(Disclaimer: I'm prone to spontaneous gelato consumption and the occasional existential crisis. Your mileage may vary.)

Day 1: Arrival and Overwhelming Beauty (aka, "Where Did I Park?")

  • Morning (Around 10:00 AM, if the flight gods are smiling): Land at Rome Fiumicino (FCO). Okay, deep breaths. Airport arrival… always a gamble. Trying to find the shuttle to the train, armed with my terrible Italian, and a desperate hope that my luggage actually made it. Seriously, why do airlines insist on playing luggage roulette? Pray to the travel gods (and St. Francis!) for a smooth transfer to Assisi.
  • Mid-Day (1:00-ish PM, because time is a social construct): Finally, the train! Snagging a window seat, staring out at the rolling hills of Umbria. Already starting to feel less like a frazzled traveler and more like… well, someone who might get lost in a beautiful countryside.
  • Afternoon (2:30 PM): Arrive at Assisi station. Finding a taxi or bus to Cittadella Laudato Si' – the first of many adventures. The cobblestone streets are already charming, even if my suitcase is threatening to break an axle.
  • Late Afternoon (3:30 PM, if I'm lucky… or maybe 4:30, who's counting?): Check into Cittadella. Okay, here's where it gets real. Walking through the gates I am in shock, and for once, it is not a bad one. Honestly, it's absolutely stunning. The whole place exudes… well, I’m not sure what exactly, but it's definitely something. Maybe it's the quiet. Maybe it's the way the sun filters through the trees. Maybe it's the sheer unlikelihood of actually being here. I'm already feeling emotions.
  • Evening (5:00 PM onwards, dictated by the rumbling of my stomach and the setting sun): Settle in, unpack (sort of), and wander around. Start my exploration of the Cittadella. This is more than just a hotel. We are talking gardens, little chapels, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Spend some serious time wandering the gardens because you will never see anything so peaceful and pure on earth. No, seriously, it's like a scene from a movie.
  • Dinner (7:30 PM, or whenever the pasta craving hits): Find a local trattoria in Assisi. Time for authentic Italian food. I'M SO EXCITED. Prepare to be overwhelmed with choices – pasta, pizza, and the local wines. (I might be in love with Italian wine already). Maybe get lost in the winding streets while returning to Cittadella.

Day 2: The St. Francis Shuffle and Emotional Overwhelm

  • Morning (8:00 AM, if the jet lag allows): Breakfast at Cittadella. Enjoy a simple, slow breakfast, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Morning (9:30 AM): Time to visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. This is the heart of the whole thing. I can't even pretend to be cool about this. I'm going to be a blubbering mess, I just know it. The frescoes are beyond words. I could spend an entire day just staring at them. I really could. I will spend the entire day staring at them, as the day goes on. The Basilica itself…wow. It's huge. Seeing the tomb of St. Francis… I’m not religious, but still, it gets to you.
  • Mid-Day (12:00 PM): Get lunch. Try to find a little spot, maybe with a view of the Basilica. There's a good chance I'll get distracted by a street musician or a particularly cute dog and forget what I'm doing. It might be a bit messy, but it'll be mine.
  • Afternoon (1:30 PM): Back to the Basilica. Seriously, it's just so good, I can't spend enough time there. I will be back to the Basilica for the most time I can manage during the rest of my trip. I’m going to double down on this one experience.
  • Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Explore the rest of Assisi, because the Basilica is just one experience. Maybe a walk along the city walls, soaking in the views. There's a chance I might, in a moment of weakness, buy a ridiculously overpriced souvenir.
  • Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. More pasta, more wine, more life-affirming goodness. I plan on trying as much pasta as I can. Maybe I will be able to try to learn how to cook some of it.

Day 3: Spirituality, Spontaneity, and Goodbye (So Soon?!)

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Maybe try to find out out what the Cittadella is for. Really try to absorb the philosophy of Laudato Si'. I'm not going to lie, I'm not fully sure I get it yet. But I'll take it as a reason to just be.
  • Mid-Day (12:00 PM): Have a light lunch. Then, a free afternoon. Explore a little more of Cittadella.
  • Afternoon (2:00 PM): Departure from Assisi. The bus, the train, the inevitable goodbye. I'll probably get teary-eyed at the train station.
  • Evening: Rome or back home.

Quirky Observations/Rants/Rambles:

  • Why are Italian drivers so fearless? It's like every intersection is a demolition derby waiting to happen.
  • I've already consumed an ungodly amount of gelato. No regrets.
  • The cats of Assisi are living their best lives.
  • I keep expecting to see a Renaissance painter stroll past with a palette. The whole place feels like a painting.
  • I'm probably going to miss this place. It's so peaceful.
  • I'm going to miss the food.
  • I'm definitely coming back. Absolutely.

Emotional Reactions:

  • Overwhelmed: By the beauty of the Basilica and the kindness of the people.
  • Grateful: For the opportunity to travel, to experience new things, and to eat all the pasta.
  • Slightly panicky: About getting to the airport on time.
  • Completely in love: With Italy.

See? Messy, honest, and human. And that, my friends, is the only kind of itinerary worth following. Ciao!

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Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy```html

Unveiling Assisi's Hidden Gem: Cittadella Laudato Si' - You Won't Believe This! (Seriously)

Okay, *what* exactly *is* Cittadella Laudato Si' anyway? Like, a theme park for hippies?

Alright, so picture this: Assisi, right? Saint Francis, rolling hills, tourists jostling for the perfect Instagram shot… And then BAM! This place, Cittadella Laudato Si'. It's not exactly a theme park. More like… a *spiritual experiment* masquerading as a village dedicated to sustainability, peace, and, you guessed it, Laudato Si'. Which, if you're like me, you might only vaguely recall as Pope Francis's environmental encyclical thingy. Honestly, I went in thinking "Erm, okay, gardens and maybe a goat?" I was... *wrong*. Wrong in the best, weirdest, most surprisingly moving way possible. I swear, I almost cried looking at the compost toilet. (More on that later, I promise.)

Is it *all* about the environment? Because, let's be honest, sometimes that feels a little… preachy.

Okay, fair question, and a completely valid fear. I went in with a healthy dose of “avoiding eye contact with anyone wearing hemp.” And yes, the environment *is* central. But, and this is important: it's done in a way that doesn't make you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a lecture. The whole place is a living, breathing demonstration of practical sustainability: solar panels, an entire self-sustaining food system, repurposed materials… it's like, "Hey, look! We *can* do this, and hey, it can actually be *beautiful* and meaningful!” And it's not just about the trees; it's about the people too. They focus on community building, reconciliation, and, get this, actually *listening* to each other. (Imagine that!) My cynicism definitely took a hit.

Okay, tell me about this compost toilet. I'm intrigued... and terrified.

Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The compost toilet. It’s not just a toilet; it’s a… *philosophical statement*. It’s about returning to the earth, embracing natural processes, and… well, let’s just say it's about seeing poop in a whole new, less icky light. (I know, I KNOW.) I was TERRIFIED, truly. Like, flashbacks to those squat toilets in Southeast Asia terrifying. But it's actually... quite pleasant. The smell is practically nonexistent, thanks to the sawdust and the diligent maintenance. And, the whole experience is surprisingly meditative. You're forced to confront, in a real way, where things *go*. I even considered it a great way to break myself of scrolling through my phone. It might sound nuts, but it made me think, you know? About waste. About cycles. About… well, life! And yes, I almost cried. Not from the smell (there wasn't any!), but from the profound… weirdness of it all. And the realization that maybe, just maybe, we could all be a *little* less wasteful.

Is there anything *not* to like? Because, honestly, this is starting to sound suspiciously perfect.

Alright, let’s be real, perfection is BORING. And this place is NOT boring. However, it's not without its quirks. First, the language barrier. Italian signage is everywhere, but English signage is… occasionally lacking. Be prepared for a lot of gesturing and awkward smiles. Second, it's *remote*. Getting there requires a bit of planning. It's a good walk from Assisi (or a bus, if you're smart, unlike me). Also, and this is important: it *is* a spiritual place. While not overtly religious, you might get a little bit of "Jesus loves you" vibe from some of the staff, which can be a bit much for some. And, let's be honest, the gift shop sells some… *interesting* items. I'm talking slightly-worn-looking sandals and some very… intense artwork. I'm not sure if it was "art," but I think it was.

What kind of people go there? Do I need to bring a tie-dye shirt?

No tie-dye required, although I won't judge you if you do. The crowd is pretty diverse, actually. You'll find families, students, eco-conscious travelers, and, yes, a few "spiritual seekers." (Although, really, aren't we all, in some way?) The vibe is incredibly welcoming and non-judgmental. I went solo, and I never felt awkward or out of place. The staff, most importantly, are amazing. They're passionate, enthusiastic, and genuinely happy to share their knowledge and their story. It's the kind of place that makes you want to be a better person. (Even if you're still secretly judging the sandals in the gift shop.)

Can I stay there? What's the accommodation like?

Yes! You CAN stay at Cittadella Laudato Si'. They have various options, from simple rooms to apartments. Be warned: it's not the Ritz. This isn't a luxury retreat, but a place to experience community and simplicity. The accommodation is comfortable enough, clean, and in line with their eco-conscious ethos. It's more about the experience than the amenities. Think communal meals, opportunities to volunteer, and a chance to unwind. Frankly, seeing the stars at night without the pollution of the city was worth every single moment there.

Is it worth the trip? What was your *biggest* takeaway?

Absolutely. Without a doubt. Go. Go NOW. Even if you're a cynical, fast-paced city dweller like me. My biggest takeaway? It’s hope, honestly. A tangible, real-world demonstration that we *can* live differently. That we *can* create community. That we *can* care for the planet. And that composting toilets? They’re not as scary as they sound. Okay, maybe they're still a little weird, but the experience completely redefined my sense of where things "go," in a way that I wasn't prepared for. It was emotional, sometimes awkward, always thought-provoking. It's not just a village, it's a feeling. A feeling of possibility. And believe it or not, I’m already planning my return. So, yeah, go. And tell me what *you* think. (Just, maybe, avoid the sandals in the gift shop, okay?)

Anything I should prepare for or bring?

Comfortable shoes are a MUST! Assisi is hilly, and Cittadella is no exception. Bring a water bottle; staying hydrated is crucial. A phrasebook, or at least a solid translation app, will be super helpful. Don't be afraid to embrace the experience, be open to new ideas, and let go of your skepticismStay Mapped

Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

Cittadella Laudato Si' Assisi Italy

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