Are you leaving for Italy? Discover Perugia, the capital of Umbria in the center of the country.
Visiting Perugia is an essential step on a trip to Italy. Halfway between Rome and Florence , this ancient Etruscan city will not fail to charm you.
Between historical monuments and museums, it contains some of the most beautiful works in the centre of the country. The region is not in the rest and is also full of activities. So prepare your stay well by discovering the best things to do in Perugia!
1. The historic centre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Cristina Jurca
A good way to start visiting Perugia? Take a walk in his historic centre! The pedestrian streets allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city in peace. Observe the ancient Etruscan ramparts that protected the city. Take a tour of the Porta della Mandorla, Porta Marzia and Porta Trasimena. These three monumental arches allowed to enter the fortified enclosure.
The historic centre gathers some of the best things to do in Perugia, between monuments, restaurants and typical shops. It is therefore an obligatory passage, as for many Italian cities.
2. Piazza IV November and fountain Maggiore
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This place is the epicenter of the city from the time of the Etruscans, then of the Romans, through Antiquity and to our days. Formerly Piazza Grande, it was renamed Piazza IV November in 1918 to celebrate the end of World War I.
You can admire the magnificent Fontana Maggiore, dating from the 13th century and created by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano. It consists of two marble levels topped by a bronze vasque. Admire the detail of the bas-reliefs that represent the twelve months of the year, and the 24 ornamental and symbolic statues. The square is surrounded by the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori, two must-sees in Perugia.
3. San Lorenzo Cathedral
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This cathedral dedicated to St.Lawrence was built from 1345, but its construction was stopped in 1490. This is demonstrated by the Baroque portal that overlooks Piazza Danti and does not present any ornaments. The left side flank is oriented towards Piazza IV November, with a monumental staircase in white and pink marble.
Inside, three gothic naves mix different artistic styles. The chapel of the Ring contains the covenant of the Virgin Mary. This is exhibited only on 30 July, not to be missed if you come to visit Perugia during this period!
4. Palazzo dei Priori
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On the other side of the square you can admire the Palazzo dei Priori, a monumental Gothic building completed in the 15th century. Its entrance porch has two statues, a claw and lion. You will be impressed by the brute force that emerges from the building.
Today it houses the municipality of Perugia, as well as the National Gallery of Umbria that it is possible to visit.
5. Umbrian National Gallery
Photo credit: Facebook – Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria
The largest museum in the Umbria region awaits you in the Palazzo dei Priori. The collections are exhibited in 40 rooms at the second and third floors of the building. They include paintings, sculptures and art objects from thirteenth to nineteenth centuries. We learn more about Umbrian school, especially thanks to the collection from the Accademia del Disegno .
The works are gathered by age, for a beautiful artistic journey through time.
6. San Domenico Basilica
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It is the largest church in the Umbria region and definitely one of the best things to do in Perugia!
The highlights of the visit? The bell tower and the funeral monument of Pope Benoit XI! They house many artistic works, such as the fresco of The Virgin to the Child d’Anton Maria Fabrizi. You can also admire a wooden choir from the 16th century and a majestic organ from the 17th century.
7. Basilica San Pietro
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This abbey dedicated to Saint-Pierre is located south of the city. It would have been built around the year 996, making it one of the oldest Catholic monuments to visit in Perugia. It consists of a church and a monastery.
Several cloisters connect the buildings between them, offering a pleasant walk. Also, you will discover within the basilica the second largest collection of art in Perugia, after the National Gallery.
8. Fortress of the Rocca Paolina
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This fortress was built by the will of the pope Paul III in 1540. She represented the power of papal power on the city until 1860.
It should also be noted that the fortress takes place on the old streets of the historic centre, which were transformed into underground galleries. Today, they host an exhibition space and the Musée de la Rocca.
9. Carducci Gardens
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It makes good walking in this main green space of the city! An escalator allows you to reach it from the Rocca Paolina. Paisible, the gardens offer a welcome bracket to rest for a moment when you come to visit Perugia. From the point of view, you will embrace the whole region. In good time, you can even see the city of Assisi, the other jewel of Umbria.
10. Visit Moretti Caselli Studios
Photo credit: Instagram – studio_moretti_caselli
The history of these workshops began in 1860. Francesco Moretti and his nephew Ludovico Caselli begin to create gigantic windows for Italian monuments and others abroad. Some of these works are still visible, and today the girls of the family have resumed the torch. The know-how from generation to generation.
You will start the visit by the family home where the first workshops were nestled. You will watch the old oven and a whole collection of pots and color bottles. Esnuite, you will go through the modern workshops and be able to watch live glass making.
11. Umbria National Archaeological Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Umbria – Pagina Istituzionale
It is the largest archaeological museum in Perugia and central Italy. He sits in the former Convent of San Domenico, an ideal theatre to showcase his collections. You will follow a course that will lead you from the Prehistory to the Roman era, through the Umbrians and the Etruscans. Do not miss the reconstruction of the Etruscan tomb of Cai Cutu, with its 50 funeral urns.
12. The Muvit Wine Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Muvit e Moo – Musei Lungarotti Torgiano
Between Perugia and Assisis, the small town of Torgiano welcomes this wine museum in the Palazzo Graziani-Baglioni. Founded in 1974, it brings together more than 3,000 objects exhibited in 20 rooms, listed in various collections. You will discuss the themes of viticulture, wine in the ancient world, crafts or symbology.
Each room presents archaeological discoveries (cruches, vases, porteries...), tools, engravings or more recent texts. A real dive in the History of Wine, and certainly one of the most interesting museums to do in Perugia.
13. Lake Trasimeno
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Just 20 kilometers from the city, Lake Trasimeno is a must-see natural gem if you are going to visit Perugia. This green oasis welcomes many birds, such as cormoran, martin-fisher and milan. On the shores of the lake you will visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Rocca del Leone, typical of Umbrian military architecture.
The surroundings have many picturesque and historical villages, the opportunity to learn about the gastronomy of the region.
14. Gastronomy
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Like the rest of Italy, Perugia has a strong gastronomic tradition using local products to create succulent dishes. The region's flagship product? The truffle! You will taste it sprinkled on a dish strangozzi , long and thick pasta handmade.
Umbria received the DOP label (equivalent to our AOC) for the olive oils of all its territory. The wine tradition is also very perennial, with 13 DOPs, including the famous Torgiano Rosso and Sangrantino de Montefalco. Meat level. Porchetta , a stuffed pig and cooked at the brooch for several hours. Norcia ham, labellized beef and pigeon alla ghiotta are so many things to test if you are going to visit Perugia.
Sweet side, impossible to pass next to the Baci, local chocolates, very popular in Italy. Lovers offer these chocolates during the Saint-Valentin .
How to go to Perugia?
By car
Coming from the north, you will follow the E35 motorway passing by Milan , Bologna and Florence to the Bettolle exit. From the south and Rome, take the E35 to Ponte, then the E35 E45 to Perugia.
By plane
Perugia Airport is located in Sant’Egidio, about 15 kilometres from the city centre. It is the international airport of the Umbria region. If you can't find direct flights to Perugia, you can land in Florence or Rome. In any case, use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner to do your research. You will have the assurance to find the best offers according to your dates and places of departure.
By train
The Perugia train station is 2 kilometres from the city centre. Once you arrive, you can reach Piazza IV November in 25 minutes walk or 15 minutes by bus. From Rome, you will spend less than 3 hours visiting Perugia, and 2h30 from Florence.
Where to stay in Perugia?
There are a multitude of accommodations to welcome you when you go to Perugia. Choose between a charming hotel in the city centre, a residence on the heights or outside the city.
Apartments Airbnb can also be a good option. You can use one Compare hotels to find the pearl in rare. You only have to enter your criteria and let you guide your future nest!
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