Perugia

Perugia is one of Italy’s most captivating and underrated gems. It’s the vibrant, historic capital of the region of Umbria, often called the “green heart of Italy.”

Unlike the previous cities known for specific exports, Perugia is a university town and an artistic powerhouse, known for its medieval atmosphere, its dramatic hilltop setting, and its world-famous chocolate.

Here’s a detailed guide to Perugia.

The “Big Four” of Perugia’s Fame

1. Chocolate: Perugina Baci

   • Perugia is Italy’s chocolate capital. The city is the home of Perugina, the famous chocolate company. Its most iconic product is Baci (“Kisses”): hazelnut chocolates with a whole hazelnut inside and a romantic love note tucked into the wrapper.

   • You can visit the Perugina Chocolate House (Casa del Cioccolato Perugina) for a museum and factory tour. Also, don’t miss EuroChocolate, a massive chocolate festival that takes over the city every October.

2. The Historic Center: A Medieval Masterpiece

   • Perugia’s city center is a wonderfully preserved medieval labyrinth perched on a hilltop. Its streets are a cascade of stone staircases, arched passageways, and grand palaces. A unique feature is the Rocca Paolina, a massive 16th-century fortress built over a medieval neighborhood. You can take an escalator ride through its underground streets, which is an unforgettable experience.

3. Art: The Umbrian School of Painting

   • Perugia was a major artistic center, most famous as the home of the great Renaissance master Pietro Vannucci, known as Il Perugino. He was the teacher of the even more famous Raphael. Their works, along with others from the Umbrian School, are displayed in the superb National Gallery of Umbria (Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria), located in the Palazzo dei Priori.

4. The University for Foreigners

   • Perugia has a lively, youthful energy thanks to its two universities. The most notable is the Università per Stranieri (University for Foreigners), one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world for teaching Italian language and culture to international students. This gives the city a cosmopolitan and dynamic vibe.

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Other Highlights of the City

• Piazza IV Novembre: This is the breathtaking main square. It’s home to:

  • Fontana Maggiore: A stunning 13th-century marble fountain, a symbol of the city, decorated with intricate bas-reliefs.

  • Palazzo dei Priori: The majestic medieval town hall that houses the National Gallery and the city’s grand council chamber.

  • Perugia Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo): The Gothic cathedral facing the square.

• Etruscan History:

  • Long before the Middle Ages, Perugia was a major Etruscan city. You can see remnants of the massive Etruscan Walls and the Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco), a fascinating engineering marvel. The National Archaeological Museum of Umbria is also located in Perugia.

• Jazz Music:

  • Perugia hosts Umbria Jazz, one of the world’s top jazz festivals, every July. The city fills with music, with concerts ranging from free outdoor stages to headline performances in historic theaters.

• Umbrian Cuisine:

  • The food is robust, simple, and deeply flavorful. It’s known as cucina povera (food of the poor), but it’s incredibly satisfying.

  • Truffles: Umbria is famous for its black and white truffles.

  • Wild Boar (Cinghiale): Often used in pasta sauces and sausages.

  • Lentils from Castelluccio: Tiny, flavorful lentils from a plateau in the Sibillini Mountains.

  • Sagrantino Wine: The region’s superstar wine is Montefalco Sagrantino, a powerful, robust red wine produced from the Sagrantino grape.

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Comparison with Previous Cities

Suggested Activities for a Visit

• For the First-Time Visitor: Get lost in the historic center. Start at Piazza IV Novembre with the Fontana Maggiore, visit the Palazzo dei Priori, then walk through the underground city of the Rocca Paolina.

• For the Art Lover: Spend a morning at the National Gallery of Umbria and then take a short trip to see Perugino’s frescoes in the nearby town of Deruta or visit Assisi (St. Francis’ hometown) which is very close.

• For the Foodie: Take a chocolate tour at the Perugina factory, enjoy a meal featuring truffles and wild boar, and go for a wine tasting in the Montefalco area.

• For the View: Walk along the ancient Etruscan walls for spectacular panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside.

In a Nutshell

Perugia is a city of layers—literally, with its underground ruins, and metaphorically, with its Etruscan, medieval, and Renaissance history stacked upon one another. It’s less about industrial fame (like Modena’s cars) and more about artistic, academic, and gastronomic pleasures. It offers a perfect blend of deep history and vibrant contemporary life, all wrapped in the stunning landscape of Umbria.

Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring other Umbrian towns like Assisi, Gubbio, and Orvieto.