Discover Perugia: A Gem of Art, Cuisine, and Festivals in the Heart of Italy
Overflowing with history and steeped in treasured traditions, art masterpieces, and splendid monuments, Perugia, the capital of Umbria, seems to cling onto a hill in the heart of the Tiber Valley. But it’s not just one hill; there are actually two—the Hill of the Sun and the Landoni Hill—that make up this graceful city. A major economic and cultural hub, Perugia attracts tourists and students alike. It’s home to an ancient university and hosts Italy’s largest university for foreign students.
At Porta Sole, the highest point in the city, the altitude reaches 493 meters above sea level. Around this peak, the old city center clusters, partially hugged by Etruscan and medieval defensive walls, while the rest of the city meanders down the hill, gradually fading into the 280 meters above sea level of the Pian Massiano Valley.
The landscape of Umbria envelops you in a mild, sub-littoral climate. The average annual temperature hovers slightly above 13°C. January, the coldest month, has an average temperature of 4.2°C, whereas in July, the hottest month, the average temperature is about 23°C. Rainfall is sparse in the summer but spreads fairly evenly throughout the rest of the year, averaging between 800-900 mm annually. Come winter, don’t be surprised if the rain turns into magical snowfall, gifting Perugia with a sugar-coated charm.
What to See in Perugia
The city’s architectural and artistic diversity stems from its rich history, shaped by various cultures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Different types of marble have been used to erect grand churches and imposing buildings. Iron-bearing stones, corduroy pavements, and arches still stretch over the oldest roads. A good starting point for exploring the historic center is Piazza IV Novembre, surrounded by splendid buildings and dominated by the Fontana Maggiore, a fountain built in the 13th century in a distinct medieval style. The fountain features two superimposed polygonal basins and is adorned with painted tiles depicting months, biblical figures, legendary characters, animals, saints, geographic locations, and symbols of science and virtues.
Palazzo dei Priori
Among the buildings that line the square is the Palazzo dei Priori, constructed between 1298 and 1350, made of travertine and uniquely colored white and red stones. A gothic entrance invites visitors into the Notary Hall, adorned with breathtaking frescoes along its walls. The same building also houses the National Gallery of Umbria, featuring the region’s largest collection of medieval and modern art.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
However, the real queen of Piazza IV Novembre is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Its facade is accentuated by typical Baroque forms. Inside, a profusion of treasured artworks fills the three naves, including the Chapel of the Holy Ring, said to house the Virgin Mary’s ring, the Chapel of San Bernardino, and the exquisite choir by Giuliano da Majano and Domenico del Tasso. Other highlights include the Church of San Domenico, the Church of San Severo, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, and Porta Mandorla and Porta Marzia—mighty gates that once provided access to the city.
Savoring Perugia’s Culinary Traditions and Bustling Calendar
“In parallel with its wealth of art and monuments, Perugia also offers a sumptuous panorama when it comes to its cuisine and traditions. Food aficionados will relish the local torcolo di San Costanzo, a type of ring-shaped cake filled with pine nuts, raisins, and candied fruit. Then there’s the ciaramicola, similar to the torcolo but with a pink crumb and a white meringue crust.
Perugia’s calendar is brimming with activity, where spectacular events unfold with vim and vigor throughout the year. Noteworthy events include Umbria Jazz, Eurochocolate, and the International Journalism Festival. Other must-experience happenings are the Grifonissima, a road running race winding through the city’s streets and alleys, and the so-called Fiera dei Morti, a large folk festival held at the beginning of November that brings back Perugia’s typical medieval atmosphere.
How to Get to Perugia, the Chocolate Capital
Getting to the homeland of chocolate varies depending on your starting point. If you’re traveling by car from the north, take the A1 Highway, exit at Valdichiana, and follow the beltway towards Perugia along Lake Trasimeno. If you’re coming from the south, again from the A1, exit at Orte and take the Orte-Terni link road, then exit at Perugia and join the E45. Lastly, if you’re coming from the northeast, take the E45 Cesena-Orte expressway and exit at Perugia. For train travelers, the Perugia-Sant’Anna station lies on the Central Umbria FCU railway, which runs along the Tiber and connects San Sepolcro to Terni. Alternatively, the city is served by the Perugia-Sant’Egidio international airport, located 12 km from Perugia and on the border with the municipal territory of Assisi.
Enjoying Perugia on Foot
Once you arrive in the city, you’ll find that the best way to savor Perugia’s charms is on foot. To facilitate walking, mechanized routes have been in place since the 1980s, comprising escalators and elevators that connect the historic city center’s acropolis with the outskirts. Alternatively, the Minimetrò, a light overhead metro, is very handy.”
For the Selfie and Panorama Lovers
No trip to Perugia would be complete without capturing its beauty. For the ultimate selfie or panoramic photo, head to Porta Sole, the city’s highest point. The breathtaking views will serve as the perfect backdrop for your memories.