Off to Italy? Discover Perugia, the capital of Umbria in the center of the country.
A visit to Perugia is a must on any trip to Italy. Halfway between Rome and Florence, this ancient Etruscan city is sure to charm you.
With its historic monuments and museums, it boasts some of the finest works of art in central France. The region is also full of activities of all kinds. So prepare for your stay by discovering the best things to do in Perugia!
1. The historic center
A good way to start visiting Perugia? Take a stroll through its historic center! The pedestrian lanes let you soak up the city’s atmosphere in complete tranquillity. Observe the ancient Etruscan ramparts that protected the city. Take a tour of the Porta della Mandorla, Porta Marzia and Porta Trasimena. These three monumental arches were used to enter the fortified enclosure.
The historic center is home to some of the best things to do in Perugia, including monuments, restaurants and typical shops. As with many Italian cities, it’s a must-see.
2. Piazza IV Novembre and Maggiore fountain
This square has been the epicenter of the city since the time of the Etruscans, then the Romans, throughout antiquity and right up to the present day. Formerly Piazza Grande, it was renamed Piazza IV Novembre in 1918 to celebrate the end of the First World War.
Here you can admire the magnificent 13th-century Fontana Maggiore, designed by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano. It consists of two marble levels topped by a bronze basin. Admire the detailed bas-reliefs representing the twelve months of the year, and the 24 ornamental and symbolic statues. The square is surrounded by the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori, two must-sees in Perugia.
3. San Lorenzo Cathedral
This cathedral, dedicated to St. Lawrence, was built from 1345 onwards, but construction was halted in 1490, as evidenced by the Baroque portal overlooking Piazza Danti, which features no ornamentation whatsoever. The left side faces Piazza IV Novembre, with a monumental staircase in white and pink marble.
Inside, three Gothic naves blend different artistic styles. The Chapel of the Ring houses the Virgin Mary’s wedding ring. It’s on display only on July 30, so don’t miss it if you’re visiting Perugia at that time!
4. Palazzo dei Priori
On the other side of the square, you can admire the Palazzo dei Priori, a monumental Gothic building completed in the 15th century. Its entrance porch is embellished by two statues, a griffin and a lion. You’ll be impressed by the raw strength of the building.
It now houses the municipality of Perugia, as well as the National Gallery of Umbria, which is open to the public.
5. National Gallery of Umbria
Umbria’s largest museum awaits you in the Palazzo dei Priori. The collections are displayed in 40 rooms on the building’s second and third floors. They include paintings, sculptures and objets d’art from the 13th to the 19th centuries. You can learn more about the Umbrian school, thanks in particular to the collection from theAccademia del Disegno.
The works are grouped by period, for a beautiful artistic journey through time.
6. Basilica of San Domenico
It’s the largest church in the Umbria region and definitely one of the best things to do in Perugia!
The highlights of the visit? The bell tower and the funerary monument of Pope Benedict XI! They house numerous works of art, including Anton Maria Fabrizi’s fresco of The Virgin and Child. You can also admire a 16th-century wooden choir and a majestic 17th-century organ.
7. Basilica of San Pietro
This abbey, dedicated to St. Peter, is located to the south of the city. It is thought to have been built around 996, making it one of the oldest Catholic monuments to visit in Perugia. It comprises a church and a monastery.
Several cloisters connect the buildings, making for a pleasant stroll. Inside the basilica, you’ll find the second-largest art collection in Perugia, after the National Gallery.
8. Rocca Paolina fortress
Built by Pope Paul III in 1540, this fortress represented the power of papal rule over the city until 1860.
It’s also worth noting that the fortress stands on the old streets of the historic center, which have been transformed into underground galleries. Today, they house an exhibition space and the Rocca Museum.
9. Carducci Gardens
The city’s main green space is a delight to stroll around! It can be reached by escalator from the Rocca Paolina. The peaceful gardens offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Perugia. From the vantage point, you can take in the whole region. In fine weather, you may even catch a glimpse of Assisi, Umbria’s other jewel.
10. Visit to Moretti Caselli studios
The history of these workshops began in 1860. Francesco Moretti and his nephew Ludovico Caselli began creating gigantic stained-glass windows for Italian monuments and others abroad. Some of this work can still be seen today, and the family’s daughters have taken up the torch. Know-how is handed down from generation to generation.
The tour begins in the family home, where the first workshops were located. You’ll see the old kiln and a whole collection of color flasks. Then you’ll move on to the modern workshops, where you can watch stained glass being made live.
11. National Archaeological Museum of Umbria
This is the largest archaeological museum in Perugia and central Italy. It is housed in the former convent of San Domenico, the ideal setting for showcasing its collections. You’ll follow an itinerary that takes you from prehistory to Roman times, via the Umbrians and Etruscans. Don’t miss the reconstruction of the Etruscan tomb of Cai Cutu, with its 50 funerary urns.
12. Muvit wine museum
Between Perugia and Assisi, the small town of Torgiano hosts this wine museum in the Palazzo Graziani-Baglioni. Founded in 1974, it houses over 3,000 objects in 20 rooms, divided into different collections. Topics include viticulture, wine in the ancient world, craftsmanship and symbology.
Each room features archaeological finds (jugs, vases, porters…), tools, engravings and more recent texts. A real plunge into the history of wine, and certainly one of the most interesting museums to visit in Perugia.
13. Lake Trasimeno
Just 20 kilometers from the city, Lake Trasimeno is a must-see natural gem if you’re visiting Perugia. This verdant oasis is home to numerous birds, including cormorants, kingfishers and kites. On the shores of the lake, you can visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Rocca del Leone, typical of Umbrian military architecture.
There are many picturesque and historic villages in the surrounding area, giving you the chance to sample the region’s gastronomy.
14. Gastronomy
Like the rest of Italy, Perugia has a strong gastronomic tradition of using local produce to create succulent dishes. The region’s star product? Truffles! Enjoy it sprinkled over a dish of strangozzi, long, thick handmade pasta.
Umbria has been awarded the DOP label (equivalent to our DOC) for olive oils throughout its territory. The wine-making tradition is also very much alive, with 13 DOPs, including the famous Torgiano Rosso and Sangrantino from Montefalco. Meat dishes include Porchetta, a stuffed pig cooked on a spit for several hours. Norcia ham, certified beef and pigeon alla ghiotta are also must-try dishes if you’re visiting Perugia.
On the sweet side, it’s impossible to miss Baci, the local chocolates that are so popular in Italy. Lovers treat themselves to these chocolates on Valentine’s Day.
How to get to Perugia
By car
From the north, take theE35 freeway through Milan, Bologna and Florence to the Bettolle exit. From the south and Rome, take the E35 to Ponte, then theE45 to Perugia.
By plane
Perugia airport is located in Sant’Egidio, about 15 kilometers from the city center. It is the international airport for the Umbria region. If you can’t find direct flights to Perugia, you can land in Florence or Rome. In any case, use a flight comparator like Skyscanner to do your research. You’ll be sure to find the best offers according to your departure dates and locations.
By train
Perugia’s train station is 2 kilometers from the city center. Once there, you can reach Piazza IV Novembre in 25 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by bus. From Rome, it will take you less than 3 hours to visit Perugia, and 2h30 from Florence.
Where to stay in Perugia
There’s plenty of accommodation to choose from when you visit Perugia. Choose between a charming hotel in the city center, a residence in the hills or outside the city.
Airbnb apartments can also be a good option. You can use a hotel comparator to find that rare gem. All you have to do is enter your criteria and let yourself be guided to your future cosy nest!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Umbria