Perugia is a town where culture, history, music and art mix with each other to form an incredible ambiance. This Medieval fortified "borgo" can be visited in a single day and it always leaves its visitors speechless in front of its beauty. Young students who attend its ancient university and tourists coming from all parts of the world crowd the historical center at every hour of the day to admire the splendid monuments and to enjoy its amazing events.
We are in the middle of Umbria, not far from some of its main cities like Gubbio, Foligno or Orvieto. Etruscans, Romans and other ancient populations inhabited this region, but it was especially during the Middle Ages that Perugia reached the peak of its splendor thanks to the making of many beautiful buildings and works of art.
But what are the best things to see in Perugia?
Our must-see attractions list starts with the wonderful "Fontana Maggiore" in Piazza IV Novembre, built by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano between 1275 and 1278. Two pink stone basins are decorated with three nymphs, some bronze figures symbolizing the legendary foundation of the city and two scenes inspired by Aesop's fables. Get ready to be charmed by its beauty!
We also suggest visiting the splendid Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which is the main city dome built in honor of the patron Saint in 1345-1490, or the so-called Oratorio di San Bernardino, a Franciscan chapel built in stone and polychrome marbles.
Another thing to see is the "Rocca Paolina", commissioned by Pope Paul III to Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane. This majestic symbol of papal authority was destroyed when the region was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy and today there is nothing left but the cellar. Explore these dark tunnels and discover the mysteries of Perugia! The journey in the city's depths continues climbing down the stairs of the famous Etruscan Well built in 300 BC, which is 37 meters deep.
Do not forget the fantastic museums that Perugia offers to its guests! Palazzo dei Priori hosts the Collegio del Cambio, presenting frescoes by Perugino and Raffaello in some of its halls and the beautiful Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, where you will have the possibility to admire the famous masterpieces by Pinturicchio, Duccio di Buoninsegna, Perugino and Piero della Francesca.
Also, he gluttons will not be disappointed by Perugina House of Chocolate and by the sweet tasting at the end of the visit!
Choose this town as your next holiday destination in Central Italy or decide to stop here during your road trip between the wonders of Umbria!
Do not forget to taste some local specialties like the “faraona alla leccarda”, which is a guinea-fowl with chicken livers, spices and white wine, or the “torta al testo”, a simple salty "schiacciata" seasoned with tidbits like truffles.
Start planning your trip, book one of our villas in the region and take part to its incredible events like “Umbria Jazz” festival in July or ”Eurochocolate” festival taking place in October.
© Alice Pilastri
