PERUGIA | UMBRIA

Discover Perugia

Perugia extends from Lake Trasimeno to Valtiberina. The city and its province are very important for the natural, historical and artistic resources they contain. Foremost among the Etruscan federated cities, Perugia subsequently became a Roman colony. In the period of the communes it was governed by various Seigniories (from the Michelotti family to the Baglioni). One of the most important historical monuments of the city is the fortress, built by the power of the papacy.
In the heart of Perugia the most famous tourist sights are Corso Vannucci with its medieval Palazzo dei Priori and the Maggiore Fountain (1257-78). Worth visiting is Piazza Dante where hand-painted ceramics can be bought, and Piazza Matteotti. Among the churches of major importance are S. Francesco al Prato, S. Angelo, S. Pietro and S. Domenico. Visitors travelling in the direction of Tuscany will be impressed by the beautiful scenery of Lake Trasimeno and the towns on its shores, such as Tuoro, Castiglion del Lago with its medieval Leone fortress, Passignano sul Trasimeno, and the three islands, Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (designated as protected areas for local flora and wildlife).

The route from Perugia to Spoleto passes Assisi, situated at the foot of Mount Subasio and the destination of thousands of pilgrims. It contains important architectural works such as the Basilica of S. Francesco, the church of S. Clare, the church of S. Damiano, the Porziuncola and the Hermitage delle Carceri located in the green Umbrian countryside. Spello, a few miles from Assisi, is a small medieval town that holds the Infiorata pageant on the feast of Corpus Christi, presenting visitors with thousands of colours.
Among olive groves and vineyards rises Montefalco, famous for some of the most appreciated wines in Italy; one example is the Sagrantino.
Spoleto lies on the road to Terni. The Bridge delle Torri with its 10 arches is a marvellous work from the 4th century. The fortress, the cathedral with frescoes by Filippo Lippi, and the churches of S. Eufemia, S. Gregorio Maggiore, S. Salvatore, S. Pietro and the Franciscan Sanctuary tell of the city’s ancient splendour. In this artistic setting the famous Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of the Two Worlds) takes place between June and July.

A symbol of Umbrian peacefulness is Todi, considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the world. Its architectural masterpieces include the church of the Consolation, the cathedral, the medieval Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo del Capitano, the Old Market, Scarnabecco Fountain, and the Church of S. Ilario.
An example of this area’s piety is Cascia, the birthplace of S. Rita. At the edge of the of S. Scolastica plain with the Sibillini mountains in the background stands Norcia, famous for its 16th century cathedral, the Castellina building, its churches, as the birthplace of St. Benedict and as a gastronomic centre. In Norcia you can sample hams, salami and sausages, lentils grown on the Castelluccio plain, cheese and truffles.
North of Perugia lies Gubbio, renowned for its famous Festival of the Ceri (depicted on the Umbria region coat of arms) held on the eve of the feast day of its patron saint Ubaldo.