Perugia, Italy is one of the beautiful cities in Italy and it is also the capital of the Umbria region.
The beauty about the city is, it is being crossed by the river Tiber.
The city also serves as the capital of the Perugia province.
This city is located close to Rome about 164 kilometers towards the northern part of Rome.
It is also located close to the city of Florence in the South-eastern part with a distance of about 148 kilometers.
The city is well surrounded by hills, hilltops and valleys.
Perugia is more popular among the other cities of Italy.
Being the city with the cultural and the center of artistic aspects in Italy, Pietro Vannucci was the great artist born here in Città della Pieve closer to Perugia.
The city was basically a settlement of Umbria and was called in ancient historical period as Perusia.
The city is also well known for the chocolates they make.
Especially the firm Perugina is the most famous chocolates producer among those available here.
Among the variety of chocolates available, chocolate named Baci (which means kisses) is one of the brands which frequently and largely exports chocolates.
They are also well known in Italy.
Manufacturing plant of this chocolate company is located in Perugia and also serves as the largest among the 9 places of Nestle’s across Italy.
Even the official site of Nestle reports that the Baci tops the familiarity and popularity among all those brands in Italy.
Additionally the city also cheers the visitors with an exclusive festival for chocolate every year during the month of October.
Among the total population here, the majority of them are from Italy and others from Europe, America and North Africa.
About 90% of the population are from Italy.
The next majority of the population is from Albania and Romania
(Europe)
.
The rest of the population is from America and North Africa.
Most of those inhabitants of the city belong to Roman Catholic.
Best time to visit Perugia?
Perugia experiences a subtropical climate with a lot of humidity.
The climate is usually cold with frequent rains.
Rainfall is adequate throughout the year.
If you are planning to visit Perugia, Italy then it is better to choose summer so that you do not get stuck in rain.
Rainfall will be lighter in some period of the year while it will be heavy in some time.
There are a number of places to visit in the outdoors, hence a warm climate without rain will be the apt time to visit.
You should be able to enjoy all the places without interruption.
There are a number of churches and antiquities in Perugia.
You can visit the artistry places and enjoy the culture of people.
It is better to check the timings and working days of the places you are about to visit.
If some places require appointment and booking of slots then it is better to book them in advance to avoid last minute hassle.
Perugia is a hill town.
It is better to be ready to meet the chillness of the hill station and its cold climate.
Being a hilly region rain might spoil the route to the top hence it is advisable to avoid the rainy season.
Landslides are common and hence it is advisable to visit in summer.
Best things to do in Perugia, Italy
Before planning a visit to the town of Perugia, make sure to get a thorough read of my favorite places to visit and
things to do in this beautiful city of Italy
.
Perugia Cathedral
Perugia Cathedral is one of the important places to be visited in Perugia.
This place is the main place of religious attraction in Perugia, located in the central part of Italy.
Since the inception of the bishopric, a cathedral region was persisting in Perugia in various other locations, till during the period 936-1060, where a new building, relating to the transept of the currently existing cathedral, was constructed here.
The present cathedral that was dedicated from the starting as the “Cathedral of San Lorenzo” and Sant’Ercolano dates since the project of 1300 by Fra Bevignate.
This was commenced in the year 1345 and was almost completed in the year 1490.
The exterior decoration was done in white and pink marble was actually never completed.
My favorite stuff to do in Perugia
San Pietro
It is another church in the city.
There is another abbey in the Perugia city located in the central Italy.
This church actually displays portrayal in the 16th century with couple of Baroque steps and staircase.
The building actually dates back to the year 1304, and it was built over an already existing one, which actually became in-sufficient after the order of Dominica.
The church was architecture by popular person named Giovanni Pisano as per Giorgio Vasari.
This was blessed in the year 1459.
According to the scheme of North Europe, it was ruined during the period 1614-1615.
There was a renovation performed on the interiors of the church during the period 1629-1632 by Carlo Maderno.
It also enhances and displays the similarities along with the head of Basilica of St.
Peter.
After renovation, the newly designed interior also includes a nave along with two aisles.
Out of the actual edifice, currently cloisters with a very big and grand Gothic windows are present close to the choir, which was executed in the year 1411.
This is also displayed in a fresco which is currently in the Palazzo-dei-Priori of the city of Perugia.
There is a bell tower which was actually constructed during the period 1454-1500 by Gasperino di Antonio who was a Lombard Architect.
But it’s actually appearance was little taller than the current appearance which was later diminished for reasons of stability.
Looking into the church’s inner renovated designs, they are funerary spot to Pope Benedict (11th), whose soul rested in peace in the year 1304.
The church was once treated as house and also Fra Angelico considered it as the Perugia Altarpiece.
This is currently in the “Galleria Nazionale dell’ Umbria”.
The annexes in the cloister represent the houses of the museum from Umbria, which portrays the National Archaeological aspects combining the pre-historical items from both the Roman as well as the Etruscan specially excavated in the province of Umbria.
Fun things to do in Perugia
Church of Sant’Angelo
The Sant’ Angelo Church is a paleo-Christian temple located in the city of Perugia in the province of Umbria.
This is a circular building which dates back during the period 5th/6th century, and also brings in the columns with the corinthian capped from a prior pagan temple.
This church is also named as the San Michele Arcangelo Temple.
As it is really dedicated to the Archangel Michael, these churches are often situated in the elevated spots.
This is also a small circular church and often called as Tempietto, which is located in the neighborhood of Borgo Sant’Angelo along the ancient northern part.
The structure and the plan of the church was actually altered and been updated continuously across many centuries and in the year 1479, it was actually converted into a tiny small fort.
A major renovation happened in the year 1948 which actually revealed the ancient frescoes and closed windows.
The architecture of the church resembles the early Romanesque along with the Byzantine influenced in the chapel.
This includes the other churches in Perugia like Sant’Ercolano and San Giovanni Rotondo.
It retraces back the Santo Stefano Rotondo church to the period 460-480 in Rome.
Popular Perugia tourist attractions
San Bevignate
It can be considered as one of the churches custom-built by the Templars which is located in Perugia.
This was actually formed with the substitution of the church San Giustino d’Arna.
From the same church they actually ousted in the year 1277.
The church was entitled to San Bevignate which was actually mysterious and local hermit with a notable observation among the Perugia’s people.
Though it was so happening, it was in fact not officially canonized.
This church was actually built in the year 1250.
In the year 1312, post the containment of the instructions from the Templar; Hospitalliers captured it.
In the year 1324, Ricco-di-Corbolo had actually acquired the complete complex and built there with a monastic community that resembles feminine in nature.
During the year 1517 the sisters had moved away from the convent, and then came back
to the Malta Knights.
The church was actually secularized in the year 1860.
You may be asking what else to do in perugia?
What else to do in Perugia?
Underground Perugia
It will be surprising to see a city which is underground part of another city.
There are escalators that go down to the underground city.
Rocca Paolina is a fortress that was built in the 16th century.
You can see the remaining part or whatever is left over of the magnificent fort that once existed as a majestic fort and was house for rulers.
The foundation of this underground place is the streets that were a part of the medieval period.
When you walk through this part of underground Perugia you will get a feeling of walking through the streets that were once a part of this city.
Is Perugia worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Perugia is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventours.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Porta Marzia (Marzia Gate)
Also known as Marzia gate is one of the Etruscan city gates, which were constructed during the third Century and the same was patched into the city walls much more lately than it was built.
It is actually closely similar to the leftovers that represent Paolina Fortress.
Fontana Maggiore
Is one of the large medieval fountains that were found between Palazzo dei Priori and the cathedral.
It was actually constructed in the year 1277 and was completed by 1278 by Giovanni Pisano and Nicola as a part of the celebrations towards the independence of the Perugia city.
Sculptures symbolizing the prophets, saints, and the seasonal work by them, the zodiac signs, scene from the Bible and the recurring events from the history of Roman are seen on the side walls of the basin.
What else to see in Perugia?
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is constructed with an entirely different layout for the Italian churches within the sides when compared to the entrance which is seen facing the main square.
There were many other churches in the place that were started for construction but this particular Church was actually last worked around the year 1490.
But it was not Completed, as it is visibly observed from the uncompleted facade which is facing towards the square.
The facing side actually brings in the Loggia di Braccio which is an early structure of Renaissance.
Under this, a portion of wall of the Romans comes along with the old basement the tower, which is there in bell shaped can also be seen very clearly.
Additional thing noted in the year 1264 is about Pietra-della-Giustizia with Perugia and their announcement on their repayment of the public debt in a considerable act.
Also one more notable thing present here is the exterior pulpit from the same place St.
Bernardine (Siena) would perform preaches.
Popular places to visit in Perugia
Palazzo dei Priori
It is one of the large buildings which are available along with the style of Italian with Gothic constructed during the 14th century.
Towards the other side that faces the piazza griffins are seen.
This is considered as the Perugia’s emblem during this period.
Other emblems considered during the same period are lion (in bronze), and chains(typical designs), found in the Siena keys.
They were displayed after they won the Sienese in the 14th century.
Inside the building, there is an excellent meeting room with the name Sala-dei-Notari.
There is a big Municipal Library on the second floor.
This building also brings in the famous Gallery of Umbria.
Things to do in Perugia with kids
Just walking around
Walking around the city can really be the better even the best option when you feel like relaxing and sightseeing.
There are actually hardly any cities in Italy or even the world which are better providing the rewards with casually exploring the total flavors of the streetscapes.
You can actually leisurely walk along a Roman channel which links couple of the city’s hills that passes the doors of the houses in the third level to the peers on the sides and edges at the street level.
Walking along the Volta della Pace is another great thing that proceeds on to the wall of the Etruscan city.
This is currently curved fully by Gothic portico.
Sometimes you feel stagger while walking along the cobbled streets which have the exclusive combination of the slopes those interrupted by the small steps which only the Italians can master with ease.
A place called Corso Vannucci which was named celebrating the work of a painter Perugino, is actually the one makes the city named as Perugia.
Definitely a lot can be learnt from the students of the University based on the Cathedral steps at an end and just looking the hills of Umbria’s during the sun setting time.
Umbria Jazz
There are quite a number of special occasions and happenings across the city of Perugia.
One among the festival is the Umbrians Jazz that actually occurs all over the Umbria province but is majorly centered on the Perugia city comprising a combinations of different varieties of concerts with few concerts providing free and few other with admission fee.
Across the years, this Festival has been attracting just around every notable and popular jazz player.
This occasion actually happens around one week, even couple of weekends yearly towards the mid July.
In this month, Perugia has actually beautiful environment along with jazz musicals and concerts towards the core part of this city.
Free things to do in Perugia
Perugia Music Fest
Music Fest in Perugia is one of the greatest and the most expected happenings in the Perugia city.
This festival happens for almost more than two weeks in the month of August.
This festival also brings out decent and excellent concerts retracing the historical and luxurious environment of Basilica di San Pietro, Sala dei Notari, and the Caio Melisso.
Actually it is a festival where the professionals having world fame across the world participate along with their highly promising musics.
Music Fest Perugia actually targets to maintain the ancient/classical report vibrating and alive.
There a number of churches and artifacts to visit.
You can visit the Fortress of Rocca Paolina which is the remains of the fort built in 16th century.
The place is underground of Perugia and there are lower escalators that lead there.
The Fontana Maggiore is a fountain that is found between the cathedral and Palazzo dei Priori.
Perugia, Italy is one of the best pilgrim places to visit.
There are a number of attractive places for art lovers.
The museums will create a large impact after a visit.
You might spend several hours to view places.
As it is a hilly region, it is better to choose food and clothes accordingly.
The climate will be colder as the altitude is higher and in case of rain the whole place will be cold enough.
It will be better to be ready with clothes for winter.
It will be a pleasure to view the beautiful scenery of hilly view.
There are some important festivals that you don’t want to miss.
Some of the well known festivals are Umbrians Jazz, this festival takes place in Umbria but the main point is Perugia that has a number of concerts that are free and some are paid as well.
Music Fest in Perugia will be the place for a number of classical concerts.
Perugia is a lovely place to visit that has a large number of places to visit.
The beauty of nature is reflected in the city of Perugia.
Other than tourist attraction, a number of foreign students are attracted towards the university.
The central area of the university has a beautiful central area and this has been the event place for Umbria Jazz festival.