La Pausa and the Piazza

The term 'nanna nap' has connotations of age for Australians, that's why 'la pausa' or 'a siesta' is such a great thing. In Italy most businesses, churches and tourist attractions close about 12.00 - 1.30 pm and don't open again until 3.30 - 5.00 pm. 
For those not used to this idea, it can be frustrating to arrive at a location and find it will be closed for another two hours.
For those who have always had this notion, it is a chance to eat a good midday meal, catch up on family matters and you can legitimately have a snooze.

One bonus for me in Panicale is that I can take photos in the usually very busy piazza without having people obstructing the view.

This is our entrance to the village, Porto Perugino. The arch on the far left is our gateway.

Inside the Porta is Piazza Umberto 1, the hub of the village. The piazza has a slope upwards from the gate. The fountain is in the centre.

This is the back view of the church San Michele Arcangelo, the front faces the next piazza of the same name as the church. There are seven churches but some have been changed into museums.

 The restaurants here are excellent, serving local produce cooked in local ways and with character.

Aldo's Bar is the hub of the hub - the place for a cappuccino and cornetto, for a glass of prosecco or for gelati.

Of course, it only looks like that in the early afternoon, all the rest of the time it looks more like this!

The fountain is also a popular gathering spot. Katia and I met at the fountain for a chat.