The Rocca Maggiore was one of my favorite parts of the trip. In looking back through the pictures I took, I am still amazed by this massive structure that was vital to Assisi's survival. The following quote comes directly from the journal entry I wrote later on that evening:

"We then decided to go to the Rocca Maggiore because it was the next biggest landmark on the map (after Basilica San Francesco). The trek there was pretty rough because the place is located at the highest point of the town. We walked uphill and then up a zillion stairs until we finally reached a landing with an awesome view. The building looked like a castle and could've come straight out of a movie. Come to find out, it was once used as a fortress to protect Assisi from enemies. At 505 meters above sea level, the Rocca Maggiore is a genious design. As we explored the crevices, stone stairwells and nooks and crannies, I honestly felt like a kid running through a new playground - except this was WAY cooler!! We walked up a tight spiral staircase to the top of a tower that provided a panoramic view like none that I've ever seen before. It was so peaceful and smelled like a campfire. I could've stood at the top of that tower forever. The fog that we had previously thought annoying, hung in the valley below us and created a breath-taking piece of natural artwork. The thick sea of fog looked like an ocean and only the tallest "islands" were visible above the "water." I felt a peace that I will probably never again experience in my life. I was walking in a place where soldiers had walked, in a place that was constructed for the sole purpose of protecting peoples' loved ones and the city below. I will brag about this place FOREVER."

Clearly, this place had a profound effect on me. For the brief time we were there, I was able to return to my childhood, forget how old I was, and be thankful for all of the blessings in my life. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life.