Etruscan walls and a delightful medieval historic center. City of gluttons and artists. The capital of the beautiful Umbria region is also a place of culture par excellence, as it is home to two universities. It was also the first Italian city to build escalators in several places to reach the center on foot. It also offers two internationally renowned events; Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate... #tuttitaly
Perugia, the city of gourmands and artists, the capital of the spectacular Umbria region, was the first Italian city to build escalators at various points of the city to reach the center on foot.
Perugia is a place of culture par excellence, home to two universities: the University founded in 1308 and the University for foreigners.
What to see
The historical center is an authentic fourteenth-century village, one of the most beautiful in Italy.
Entering Porta San Pietro, we meet the Gothic Basilica of
San Domenico, whose majestic figure clashes with the almost entirely bare interior. Particularly striking is the view of the enormous 15th-century Gothic window in the apse, one of the massive windows that have survived to this day with its 23 m height.
The cloister (15th century) of the Basilica of San Domenico houses the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria.
Piazza IV November is the monumental and social center
of the city, as well as one of the most important squares in Italy. This complex includes the Gothic Palazzo dei Priori, the symbol of civil power; the Cathedral, a symbol of spiritual power; and the XIII-century Fontana Maggiore, the city's character fed by the waters of the aqueduct coming from Monte Pacciano.
The Palazzo dei Priori, built between 1293 and 1297, is still today one of the most iconic historic buildings in the city.
Above the portal overlooking the square, you will notice
two bronze statues and hanging chains: the statues represent a Grifo from Perugia and a Guelph lion (these are imitations because the originals from the end of the 200s are kept inside the building); the chains were removed from the gates of Siena precisely by the Perugians following the Battle of Torrita in 1358.
The Madonna's Wedding Ring is kept in the Cathedral of
San Lorenzo. It is exposed to the public every 29 and 30 July, on which the Feast of the Holy Ring is celebrated. The ring is kept in a shrine of two safes placed 8 m high above the altar.
Baci Perugina
Perugina, a well-known Italian chocolate company, was born in Perugia. Perugina's most famous chocolate is the Bacio, whose success came only after changing the original name. Initially, the Baci were called Cazzotti due to their irregular shape. You can imagine why no one wanted to declare their feelings with a punch.
Events
Perugia offers events of international renown, including Eurochocolate and Umbria Jazz.
Umbria Jazz is held every year in mid-July. For the festival's ten days, the historic center experiences a magical atmosphere where music blends with the history and architecture of the city.
Eurochocolate is an annual event dedicated to the culture of chocolate and takes place in October.
