Perugia, Town in Umbria, Italy

Perugia

Perugia, one of the most fashionable, unforgettable and surely the largest medieval city in Italy, is situated on a 500 mt (1600 feet) hill overlooking the gorgeous expanses of Val d'Umbria.

The first inhabitants were the Umbrians, an Italic tribe who was displaced by Etruscans in the VI century BC. In a short time it became one of the most important Etruscan cities as one of the 12 lucumons (Arezzo, Cerveteri, Chiusi, Cortona, Perugia, Populonia, Tarquinia, Veio, Vetulonia, Volsinii, Volterra, Vulci, each governed by a Lucumon and famous to excel in the workmanship of metals, weapons, arts, in navigation, in hydraulic engineering and construction).

Later on the Romans submitted the local population but, after the decline of the Roman Empire, the city was ruled over by a succession of brutal overlords. Perugia fell in the hands of Austria and later France, under Napoleon.

Architecture lovers will feast their eyes upon an array of mind-boggling architecture spanning several centuries. Works by Perugino (teacher of Raphael) rather than the stunning cathedrals, churches and various public buildings will leave you breathless!

Palazzo dei priori, built between 1293 and 1297, has been broadened for 4 times, the last one in 1902, when it was added the semi-circular staircase that precede the main one on the square. Palazzo dei Priori, is a superb expression of the soul of the city. Its severe mass, dressed in squared off stone, embellished by two astonishing Gothic triple lancet windows on the longest side, get onto the square like a rampart. On Corso Vannucci's side, the Palazzo is adorned by a marvellous portal, decorated as a cathedral one, and surmounted by the symbols of Perugia and Guelfs: the gryphon and the leon. From that portal you will have access to the National Gallery of Umbria: the most important exhibition of Umbrian works of art (including the famous Perugino's paintings, who could happily express the grace and sweetness of this lovely land).

Corso Vannucci, whose name derives from Pietro Vannucci, painter born in Citta di pieve e renowned as Il Perugino, runs from Piazza d'Italia to Palazzo dei Priori ( among imponenet buildings, such as: Collegio del Cambio, Collegio della Mercanzia, Palazzo dei Notari, Casa di Baldo degli Ubaldi, Church of S. Isidoro (deconsacrated), Palazzo Donini (1716). Corso Vannucci is perfect for a lovely relaxing walk. The ancient city plant, with a stellar shape, departed from 5 doors reachable through this important way. The Corso has never lost its importance throughout the ages, even during the papal domination. From the second half of 1900, the corso is been totally turned into a pedestrian precinct, where you will enjoy fantastic aperitifs (from 6pm to 10 pm) with a lovely glass of local wine, and many delicious snacks for less than 10€ per person.

Perugia is getting more and more popular around Europe for its “Umbria Jazz Festival”, which lasts from the 11th to the 20th of July. The festival “gives hospitality” to gorgeous international artists within the survey of jazz music, and all the participants have the opportunity to attend dozens of concerts, songs and dances in the splendid open “theatre” of Perugia.

Every year, from 4th to the 16th July, in the green area of Ripa, you will be able to attend the “Sagra del Tartufo Nero” – town festival of black truffle. For all truffle lovers, 10 evenings to taste the local truffle with different greedy combinations. The festival is cheered up by live music and folkloristic games.

If you are keen about culture, you might be interested in taking part at the 15th International Conference on Internal friction and Mechanical Spectroscopy, from the 20th to the 25th of July, organized in order to celebrate the seventh Century of the Historical University of Perugia.

Something to not be missed is the special event called Guarda che Luna – What a moon! Every 10th of July, at “La Citta della Domenica”, Perugia Science Fest organizes an Astronomic event: an expert, an actor and a musician guide the spectators to discover our “natural satellite”, through images, animations and videos as well as the real observation through the telescope. Everything will be alternated by stories and legends about the Moon (in this case you will need a translator, as the show is not in English), with a musical accompaniment. The event starts at 8pm with a sumptuous aperitif and buffet.

Perugia is a medieval paradise, plenty of everything a tourist might need or desire: clubs, bar and restaurants with one of the best Italian local cuisines; cultural events and monuments; the fantastic locals’ hospitality…without parallel: the cleanness of the streets, the astonishing courtesy and reliability of the locals will satisfy even the more hard to please.

You might also be interested in reading about the following Perugia topics:

Churches (1)	Discount Offers (4)
Events (1)	Local Recipes (3)
Restaurants (4)	Tourist Services (1)

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USA & Canada Toll Free: 1 800 509 8194
UK Toll Free: 0 800 047 0248
International: +41 91 220 0567
Italy: +39 089 842 6126
Email: info@summerinitaly.com