Perugia

DESTINATIONS perugia

Perugia

Perugia is the provincial capital of Umbria, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. The ancient heart of the city, packed full of Etruscan and Roman monuments, perches on a hilltop with the modern city spread below. With a prestigious university, the city has a lively student population, good shopping, fun bars and great restaurants. If that weren't enough, Perugia is the setting for one of Europe’s best jazz festivals: Umbria Jazz.

The City

Perugia was an Etruscan settlement between 6th-1st century BC, falling to the Romans in 40 BC. The quantity and quality of remains from these periods is impressive, particularly the ancient walls and gates to the city, many of which remain intact. Another of its charms is its size: the historic centre is small enough to walk around in half a day – though, add in all the galleries and museums of note, and you have enough to keep you busy for a long weekend. Ask at the tourist office for a leaflet detailing walking itineraries around the city.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

One of Perugia’s charms is the merging of ancient and modern, for example, here you can walk under giant stone arches constructed 2,000 years ago or shop in a modern department store. The city offer a wide array of museums, so take some time to discover a few of them.

Palazzo dei Priori

This is a beautiful medieval structure, first built at the end of the 13th century, and the subject of many additions and alterations over the years. Head up the stairs in Piazza IV Novembre and into the Sala dei Notari – completely covered in allegorical and biblical frescoes that date from the 13th century. Entering …

Piazza IV Novembre

Piazza IV Novembre was the main square of the Etruscan city, and the Roman Forum. In medieval Perugia, it was the point at which the five principal roads crossed and even today it is at the heart of Perugia. As an open-air venue it can’t be beaten: in the summer, thousands of people gather …

Fontana Maggiore

This fountain, between the cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori, is considered to be one of the best examples of its kind in existence. It was constructed around 1275 by father-and-son sculptors from the city of …

Church of San Severo

The 11th century church of San Severo (Cappella di San Severo) was built on the site of a pagan temple. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it is noteworthy for the fresco in its 14th century chapel: the upper part is by the great Renaissance painter Raphael, the lower part by …

Church of St Agata

This is a delightful little church that dates back to the 12th century but was rebuilt in the 1317. Here you find many examples of early 14th century frescoes and other paintings and works of art made by Umbrian …

Tempio di San Michele Arcangelo (chiesa Di Sant’angelo)

This is one of the oldest churches in Italy – dating from the 5th century AD. Strange symbols and references to the Knights Templar can be seen, as well as the symbol of the pentagram near the church entrance. This is a …

Rocca Paolina

This fort was built in the mid 16th century as a symbol of the Papal domination of Perugia. Pope Paul III had his architect raze an entire area of the city – 100 houses, churches and monasteries disappeared, and the massive fortress was built in their place. Mostly destroyed by the citizens of Perugia …

Etruscan Arches

Six of the seven original Etruscan arches into the city can still be seen, with Roman, Medieval and Renaissance alterations. Take a walk around the city following the original walls – the tourist office in Piazza Matteotti has a leaflet with suggested …

Church of San Pietro

The Church of San Pietro is a beautiful Benedictine abbey, originally founded in the 10th century. The church has some fine 15th and 16th century architecture, a good collection of Renaissance art, including frescoes and paintings by Raphael, Vasari, Vassillacchi, Perugino and Parmigiano and possibly the best wooden choir (16th century) in …

Corciano

Corciano is a hilltop village around 13 km north of Perugia. With Etruscan-Roman origins, it’s been named as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Bus no.87 runs every hour from Piazza Italia to Corciano. It takes around 50 …

Assisi

Umbria is full of beautiful hilltop towns and villages, though Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, has to be one of the best known. There is a regular bus service (line E007) from the Perugia main bus terminal. Journey time is around 50 …

Museo Archeologico

This museum is housed in a former convent next to the church of San Domenico. It has an extensive archaeological collection including a lot of Etruscan artefacts. This place is a must for everyone with the slightest interest of …

Dining

Hearty recipes involving pork (try porchetta alla perugina/roast sucking pig), olive oil, truffles and great pasta dishes are the hallmarks of Umbrian cuisine. Perugia is full of restaurants, many of them so small that reservations are essential. The snack of choice in Perugia is pizza – all over town there are tiny takeaway pizzerias serving pizza by the slice.

Antica Trattoria San Lorenzo

Located in the heart of Perugia, this family-owned restaurant has a lovely atmosphere and a great menu. You can come here for both lunch and dinner but remember that it might be necessary to make a …

Locanda Do’ Pazzi

Locanda Do’ Pazzi is full of character, often with live music. It features a small terrace for summer dining – overlooking the Etruscan Porta Trasimena. It is open for both lunch and dinner and is often well-visited by …

Dal mi Cocco

This is a very informal and popular place, with genuine Perugian cuisine (and a menu written in Perugian dialect). Here you will find genuine traditional food and wine at affordable prices. It is recommended to book ahead as it gets very …

Del Sole

Just off Via Oberdan, this restaurant has a great terrace with sublime views over the Umbrian countryside. They are open from early lunch until late night and serve traditional Italian dishes of high …

Cafes

There are many cafés in Perugia, especially in the Historic Centre. The prices are not too expensive because it's a university town. Cafés are often open all day selling pizza and sandwiches.

Cafe Turreno

This café is well known for its delicious pastries and aperitifs. Sit back in the old-style interior or relax outside in the sun and sip on one of their creamy cappuccinos accompanied by a crispy …

Cioccolateria Bar Pasticceria dell'Accademia

Cioccolateria Bar Pasticceria dell'Accademia offers a good selection of pastries and excellent coffee. It is also a perfect place for a snack or lunch. Their sandwiches are all made from home-made bread and even home-made …

Panificio Menchetti

Panificio Menchetti is located a bit outside the city centre. Here you can enjoy breakfast, brunch and late evening snacks. They serve good pastries, sandwiches, salad, coffee and pizza and don't miss the ice …

Bars & Nightlife

With Perugia’s large student population, you’re guaranteed to find lively bars throughout the historic city. Many bars are open all day, coming into their own in the evening, for the all-important aperitivo time, which kicks off from around 6pm. Cafés, bars, ‘disco-pubs’ and discos are all popular haunts for Perugians. From chic to cheap, and trendy to traditional, if you plan it well, you can start the evening at 5pm and finish at 5am the next day. Larger discos tend to be located outside the city.

Elfo Pub

Elfo Pub is located in the heart of Perugia, in the historic centre of the city. Here you can enjoy over 200 unique beers that are rotated weekly. It dates back to 1989 and is a favourite among locals and tourists. The knowledgeable staff will happily assist you with your …

Vinoteca Perugia

The Vinoteca in Perugia is a modern winehouse that stocks and serves amazing wines as well as delicious delicacies. You can find over 700 wine labels here, both national and international. The cosy atmosphere is forged by experienced staff and a chic …

Ristorante Ferrari Perugia

This bar is funky, and conveniently located in a small passageway just off Corso Vannucci. Ferrari Perugia is also a pizzeria/restaurant and they serve a free buffet during happy hour …

Velvet Fashion Café Discoteca

This is a chic and stylish bar, restaurant and disco with two floors. The music played is different due to different themed nights. Do not forget to dress up and look your best if you plan to end your night …

Cantiere Club

Cantiere Club is a club where you can dance all night long and drink great cocktails. DJs play carefully selected music and this is the place to be. It is considered to be one of the most popular places in …

Shopping

Perugia has many fashion and shoe stores, including some well-known designer names. As a university town, it’s also no surprise that Perugia has some good book stores: even if you’re not buying, Italian book stores are great for browsing.