Perugia, ancient city between history and art. A pearl of Umbria
Perugia, ancient city between history and art. A pearl of Umbria
Perugia, the splendid capital of the Umbria region, is an ancient city intrinsic to history and art.
Under Etruscan and then Roman domination, the Umbrian capital was the seat of the papacy for well over three centuries.
To this day, the city, filled with lush gardens and fountains, retains a harmonious medieval appearance that blends perfectly with the new buildings.
All of Perugia is rich in monuments and history; the University of Perugia is one of the oldest in the world. It is also home to Italy's second oldest academy, the Pietro Vannucci Academy of Fine Arts, and one of the oldest public libraries
The city's main square is Piazza IV Novembre; at its center is the Fontana Maggiore, a masterpiece of medieval Italian sculpture created by Giovanni and Nicola Pisano in 1280, built to celebrate the arrival of water in the city. Well-known are the 50 panels placed on the lower basin representing the months of the year with zodiac signs with scenes of agrarian tradition.
On the north side of the square, on the other hand, we find the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, one of the two most important religious buildings in the city; its cloister houses the Capitular Museum of San Lorenzo. Beyond the cathedral we have the Basilica of San Domenico, known for its majestic bell tower, one of the main symbols of Perugia.
To visit Perugia with a local guide discover our itinerary
Also on the square we find the Palazzo dei Priori, built in the Gothic style, where today is the seat of the municipality and houses the National Gallery of Umbria, the Noble Collegio della Mercanzia and the Noble Collegio del Cambio.
In the historic center is the Etruscan Well, a true masterpiece of hydraulic engineering that supplied water to the entire city during Etruscan and Roman times. Today it is possible to visit the well thanks to a system of stairs that allow you to reach the deepest point.
A truly impressive attraction that is absolutely worth visiting is Rocca Paolina, the symbol of the papal power that dominated the city for more than three centuries.
The Umbrian capital is also and above all known for being the symbolic city of chocolate, so for lovers a stop at the Perugina Chocolate House, its museum and factory that produces and exports chocolate everywhere in the world, is a must.
The best time to visit the city of Perugia are the intermediate seasons, namely from mid-April until mid-June and from September until early October, keeping in mind, however, that from June it may already be very hot in the city.
To visit Perugia with a local guide, discover our tour
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