Perugia is popular for its convenient location. It is only an hour away from the city that is called the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence. And just two and a half hours away from the very heart of Italy - beautiful Rome.
Among the gems of Perugia is its historic centre, which begins in the main square, Piazza IV Novembre. This square is full of fine Italian restaurants, cafes and gelaterias. Treat yourself to a great dinner here or a morning coffee with a cornetto, filled with a delicious pistachio filling that oozes out when you take a bite. In the middle of the square is the Maggiore Fountain, made of stone imported from Assisi. Its circular shape and sculptures have made it a symbol of the city. To preserve the monument, it is surrounded by a fence that prevents close access.
Behind the fountain stands the Roman Catholic Cathedral of San Lorenzo, considered one of the most important religious buildings in the city. Inside, you can admire a cross by the famous Italian painter Federico Barocci and a precious relic of the Virgin Mary's wedding ring.
Beneath the Cathedral of San Lorenzo is a fascinating underground world with a rich historical heritage, tracing history from the Etruscan civilisation through the Roman era to the Middle Ages. For visitors, there is an underground route that leads through areas that were once part of the ancient Perugian acropolis and are now open to the public. Just walk down the stairs and you will find yourself in a mysterious underground, surrounded by an intricate network of tunnels, alleys and ancient buildings. During the tour, which you must book in advance, you will see, for example, the Sala del Conclave, the room where the four popes Celestine V, Honorius III, Honorius IV and, last but not least, Clement V were elected.
Other landmarks of the square are the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the Palazzo dei Priori. This palace, built in the 13th century, formerly served as the town hall. Today it is a museum where you can learn about Perugia's rich history. Among the exhibits you will find Renaissance works, jewellery and masterpieces by famous artists such as Pietro della Francesca.
Perugia was once ruled by the Etruscans, who left many important monuments. In addition to the already mentioned underground, it is worth mentioning the Arco Etrusco, or Etruscan Arch. This gate, built in the 3rd century BC, is one of the most famous in the city, along with others such as Porta Trasimena and Porta Marzia. There is no better way to enter the city than through the historic gate from the Etruscan era. For Roman and Etruscan history enthusiasts, there is an archaeological museum in Piazza Giordano Bruno.
Another Etruscan monument is the Pozzo Etrusco (Etruscan Well), which reaches a depth of 37 metres and is proof of the skill of our ancestors.
In the aforementioned square is the largest church in the city, the Chiesa di San Domenico. This church hides many attractions, including the tomb of Pope Benedict XI and the imposing bell tower, which is considered the symbol of Perugia.
From San Domenico, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Church of San Pietro, which boasts the richest decoration in all of Perugia. The grandeur of this building is highlighted by its bell tower, which reaches a height of 70 metres, making it the tallest building in the city. The interior of the church will enchant you with its splendour and opulence that will literally take your breath away.
If you want to relax for a while, behind the Church of San Pietro you will find a small park, the Giardini del Frontone, where you can relax on a bench and enjoy the peaceful surroundings surrounded by greenery.
Perugia is not only historic but also an important student centre. The city is home to the Università per Stranieri, a university for foreigners that welcomes many students from all over the world every year. The university is renowned as one of the best places for international students who want to learn the Italian language and immerse themselves in Italian culture.
Every year Perugia hosts a number of festivals, concerts and other cultural events that attract visitors from near and far.the most famous of these events is the month-long funfair, the World Jazz umbria Jazz Festival and for chocolate lovers, the world chocolate festival Eurochocolate. So there's no need to worry about getting bored in the city, Perugia really does have a lot to offer.
Most places and sights are accessible on foot, but be sure to try Minimetrò. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the Minimetrò is a subway that is partially above ground and runs underground in the historic part. It's a quick and easy mode of transportation that is also an interesting technical experience.
For a unique experience, head to the 101CAFFE coffee shop, where they specialize in beans from the best Italian roasters from each region. They offer a very wide selection of brands such as Lavazza, Gusto and Bialetti. Lovers of good coffee will definitely find something to their liking here. Another great café to go to for a real Italian breakfast is Pasticceria Antica. It is famous for its homemade croissants, which are filled with different creams, and also for its unusual mini cheesecakes.
If you want to visit attractions that aren't too touristy though, I recommend going to one of the oldest libraries in Italy, the Biblioteca Augusta, dating back to 1582. The library is located on the highest hill in the Porta Sole area in the Palazzo Conestabile. Not far from the library there is a terrace which offers a beautiful view of the whole city.
And for those of you who are in Perugia for a longer period of time and would like to do some sightseeing, we recommend going to the Monte Cucco cave, which is located in the middle of the park. There are plenty of hiking trails around the cave. You can of course also enter the cave. There is a fee to enter and a guide is provided.
A visit to Perugia will give you a wealth of interesting cultural and technical informationand exciting experiences, as well as the comfort of a good Italian coffee with delicious delicacies. You will remember this city for a long time.
