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Comune in Umbria, Italy
Photo: Pava, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
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It was a Renaissance fortress, built in 1540-1543 for pope Paul III to designs by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. The escalators from the lower town lead up through the remains of this fortress. It was built on top of medieval streets, which were used as foundations, and before coming out into daylight at Piazza Italia you go through some of these medieval streets covered with brick ceilings when the fortress was built. Little now remains of the fortress itself.
Marzia Gate
This is an Etruscan city gate built in the 3rd century BC and much later incorporated into the city walls. It is close to the remains of the Paolina Fortress.
This large medieval fountain is found between the cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. It was made between 1277 and 1278 by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano as part of Perugia's celebrations of its independence. On the twenty-five sides of the basin are sculptures representing prophets and saints, the work of the seasons, signs of the zodiac, Bible scenes and events from Roman history.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
This has an unusual layout for Italian churches in that the side rather than the front entrance faces the main square. There have been many churches on the site: this one was last worked on around 1490. But finished it was not, as can be clearly seen from the unfinished façade facing the square. This side includes the Loggia di Braccio, an early Renaissance structure. Under it a section of Roman wall and the basement of the old bell tower can be seen. Also found here is the 1264 Pietra della Giustizia ("Justice Stone") with which Perugia announced that it had repaid its public debt, a not inconsiderable feat. Also noteworthy is the external pulpit from which Saint Bernardine of Siena, a virulently anti-homosexual priest, would preach.
Museo del Capitolo della Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Religious paintings.
Town Hall
This is a large building in Italian Gothic style built in the early 1300s. On the side facing the piazza are a griffin, the emblem of Perugia, a 14th-century bronze lion, and some chains, from where the keys of Siena were displayed after victory over the Sienese in 1358. Inside is the impressive meeting room, the Sala dei Notari. On the second floor is the Municipal Library. The building also houses the National Gallery of Umbria.
National Gallery of Umbria
The collection consists of paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, including artists such as Perugino, Nicola e Giovanni Pisano, Beato Angelico, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Pinturicchio.
Displays various works of art.
Pozzo Etrusco
Damp and dark but an excellent way of appreciating the skills of 3rd-century BC Etruscan architects.
is on Corso Cavour, down the hill to the southeast of Corso Vannucci. It is a Gothic church whose three aisles were a model for the design of the later cathedral of San Lorenzo. San Domenico has faced many problems in the past. Soon after its completion, the upper section was found to be unstable and had to be demolished. In 1614 and 1615 other parts collapsed. The rebuilt church was consecrated in 1632.
About 1 km further along Corso Cavour after San Domenico, this church and abbey is well filled with fine works of art, including by Perugino. Interesting hexagonal bell tower. See too the medieval garden through the hall off the courtyard.
Accademia di belle arti Pietro Vannucci
A small but excellent collection of plaster casts of famous sculptures: the Dying Gaul, two of Michelangelo’s Prisoners, the Laocoön and His Sons, and even the reconstructed façade of the Roman temple at Clitunno. The Pinacoteca is not overwhelming, with an interesting selection from the Academy's four-centuries-old collection.
Contemporary art museum.
Houses the only fresco by Raphael that has remained in Perugia.
Ex S. Bevignate church, converted into a museum now.
Palazzo Baldeschi al Corso
Chocolate factory "Perugina" featuring a museum devoted to the history of chocolate manufacturing.
Ipogeo Dei Volumni
The tomb of the wealthy Volumnus family of Etruscan nobility, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
Offers cooking classes, winery tours, gourmet tours, excursions to artisan chocolate and olive oil producers, truffle hunting and very popular cooking vacation programs that include accommodation and excursions to remote villages throughout Umbria and Tuscany.
Traditional hand-weaving workshop with 19th-century looms in a 13th-century Franciscan monastery.
The Umbrian Jazz festival takes place all over Umbria but is centred on Perugia, with a large number of concerts both free and with admission fee. Over the years the Festival has attracted just about every famous jazz player. The Festival takes place for a week and two weekends in the middle of July every year. During this period Perugia has a really beautiful atmosphere, with jazz concerts in the center of the city.
Perugia is home to the producers of Perugina and Baci chocolates. It hosts a very popular annual chocolate festival every October.
Over two weeks in August, MusicFestPerugia produces classical concerts in the historical and sumptuous surroundings of Sala dei Notari, Basilica di San Pietro, the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and the Caio Melisso. Performed by a combination of world famous professionals, and their most promising students, MusicFestPerugia aims to keep the classical repertoire vibrant and alive.
You definitely have to go there, a traditional Perugian restaurant. A fixed menu for €13 and a bottle of good wine for €5 (Jan 2016). Make sure to make a reservation though. Open from 20:30, so real Italian dinner times. All the food is made fresh, a visit to Perugia is completed by eating here. Also perfect for groups.
It is comprised of two rooms, the first with a brick oven and a buffet where an expert pizzaiolo slides freshly topped pizzas onto the stone hearth. This restaurant is always crowded, and only open from 13:00-16:00 and 19:00-23:00. Arrive either right at opening or after the traditional Italian dinner hours if you don't want to wait outside. The prices range from €5 to €10 per pizza (Jan 2016). The pizzas are also available for take-out without a cover charge. Step inside the door and give your order to one of the white-aproned gentlemen who will take your money and deliver you your pizza (wait outside while it's being cooked).
Delicious Neapolitan pizza with light dough and quality ingredients. Friendly waitresses and fast service. Great atmosphere. With tables both inside and outside.
A huge variety of specialties, not just pizzas. Exceptional arancini, panuozzi, cannoli and homemade brioches. The arancini are not too greasy and stuffed well with different fillings.
Rustic panini of quality. Finding courtesy and politeness even in this place that offers simple food is nice. Exquisite cured meats. The mixed platter is superb. The ingredients reflect the flavors of Umbria.
Rustic and welcoming place. Excellent appetizers and pizza. Great torte al testo. Very kind and cordial staff. The environment is quiet. Fast service.
A very good osteria with good green salads and decent prices. The homemade Limoncello is a nice touch.
An excellent trattoria/ristorante with great prices that serves wonderful local cuisine, good wines and desserts, and has very friendly staff.
Great food and great wines. Here the specialty is Rosti, a gluten-free dish available in different variations. Very nice environment. You feel the courtesy, kindness and professionalism.
Excellent food quality and excellent service. Delicious food (cheese, truffles, etc.) and top wine. The decor is beautiful. The staff is wonderfully kind. Characteristic place.
Il Vizio restaurant offers an internation cuisine and high quality ingredients.
Cozy and elegant place. Fresh fish and very high quality dishes. The menu is vast, there are many choices (especially the wine list).
Excellent cuisine. You can eat outdoors and enjoy an amazing rustic and welcoming atmosphere. Friendly service and a beautiful place.
Good place to drink, good mix of locals and students alike. Good offers on beers, remember if you get a leaflet, make sure the barman sees it, otherwise you will get charged full whack. Look out for Pisco, the owner, who will love to give you a free welcome shot.
open air bar which is open in the summer. Nice cocktails and (like the name says) a beautiful view.
4 stars Hotel with modern rooms, restaurant and convention centre.
Via Deruta 43 - 06132. An historical residence in San Martino in Campo, near Perugia in the direction of Torgiano. €150-250 for double.
The hotel is built on two floors and offers 37 comfortable rooms with varying characteristics: apart from the single, twin and double rooms, it also offer very large, family-oriented triple and four-bedded rooms.
3 star hotel on the edge of town 3 km from the historical centre. Parking, free internet, quick food, international channels TV, English and French speaking staff. Completely renovated in a quiet location. Convenient if you have a vehicle and want to use Perugia as a base for trips around Umbria.
Four kilometres from Perugia.The farmhouse is surrounded by 10 hectares of olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees. Six independent apartments have been restored around the ancient stone house, which goes back to 17th century.
Dimora la Sapienza is a two rental houses properties complex, in the centre of medieval town. Carefully restored, with fantastic facilities.
Quiet and inexpensive 23-room hotel, a 15-minute walk from Corso Vannucci. Avoid staying in the "Annex", particularly in the summer when you will want the window open, as it is on the noisy Corso Cavour.
Upmarket hotel where all the top jazz musicians stay during the festival.
If you stay during the jazz festival you will run into all the artists. But price-quality ratio a bit disappointing.
Vacation rentals directly by the owners. Salt water swimming pool, barbecue area, garden, parking and Jacuzzi. 15 minutes walking distance to the centre of Perugia.
By train
10 if you take Treno Regionale, otherwise it's double.65. Getting from Siena by train is troublesome, as it requires 2 train changes and takes 4 hours, €13.
By bus
Flixbus offers connections with Rome (2:15 hr), Florence (2:10 hr), Siena (1:20 hr).
By car
Perugia is just off the A1 autostrada that runs from Rome to Milan.5 hours, Orvieto 1 hour, Milan 6 hours, Florence 1 hour.
Perugia is a large hill town. Most major attractions are at the top of the hill in the Centro Storico (historic centre).
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Perugia (PG) · International · PEG
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