Perugia

Having no access to the sea, Perugia is still not deprived of the attention of tourists. This is another Italy - severe, brutal, from here the movement of flagellants began. The whole city - one observation platform overlooking the palaces, houses, churches, the abyss and the opposite slope. But at the same time, it is a sweet capital, a “city of kisses”, Baci candies (kiss) are produced here, it is a student city and a tourist center, a city of art, mysticism and romance.

Perugia

Perugia (Perugia) - the capital of the "green heart of the country" of the Umbrian region; a picturesque city in the heart of Italy with a historical center on a high hill and multi-storey labyrinths of streets similar to stone gorges, ancient monuments, gloomy arches and houses of the time of the Holy Inquisition. Here you will not find elegant palaces and sunlit squares, as the city owners were busy with the war and did not think about beauty. But once you go out into the open, you will see a wide panorama of mountain valleys and the laconic beauty of churches and palaces. Today Perugia is a university, cultural, tourist center; city ​​of art, mysticism and romance.

5 things to do in Perugia

1. Take a ride on a unique Perugian Minimetrò (Minimetrò). Monorail cars designed for eight passengers ply through the tunnel and street overpass between seven stations, with a minute interval. There is no driver: the cars are controlled by a cable, they move automatically.
2. Take a walk through the former medieval aqueduct, turned into a panoramic panoramic route over the old city.
3. Visit historic pastry shops via via Vannucci - at the Perugina store and Sandri pastry shop. Buy Bacio sweets in blue packages with wishes inside.
4. Sit in the evening on the steps of the Priorov Palace, listen to an impromptu concert by street musicians.
5. Visit the rocky crypt belonging to the genus Volumni (Ipogeo dei Volumni), knocked out in a hillside on the outskirts of Ponte San Giovanni (a suburb of Perugia). See unique relief sarcophagi with authentic Etruscan inscriptions that no one has translated.

Perugia, old town, photo Nicolás GR

When is the best time to go?

Perugia is located in the middle of the Apennine Peninsula. The city is built on five hills, surrounded by mountains. It is remote from the sea, but nearby is a large Trazimensky lake. It has a subtropical, moderately warm climate. The average annual temperature is + 12.6 ° C. In July, it is dry and hot, with an average temperature of + 23 ° C. The rainiest month in Perugia is November. It is warm in winter: the average January temperature is about + 4 ° C, there is snow.

Sights

St. Peter's Basilica

Basilica of San Pietro (Basilica di San Pietro), photo klausbergheimer

The most beautiful temple of the city is considered to be the Basilica of San Pietro (Basilica di San Pietro). The name of sv. Petra also has an abbey built around the church. The discreet look of the facades of the temple building, built in the X century, is offset by the luxury of interiors, decorated in the XVI-XVII centuries. The three-nave space is divided by eighteen stone columns. Ceiling shades, lunettes, arches are covered with multicolor frescoes. The coffered ceiling of the main nave was painted by Benedetto di Pierantonio. The decoration is completed by paintings by Antonio Vassilaci, Perugino, Vasari, Cherry, Vicara. The collection of San Pietro's works is only slightly inferior in importance to the collection of the National Gallery of Umbria.

Basilica of St. Dominic

Basilica of St. Dominic (Basilica di San Domenico), photo by Marco

The largest church in the city is the Basilica of St. Dominic (Basilica di San Domenico). The destroyed temple of the 13th century was restored in the 17th century with baroque elements. From the original building there was a covered cloister arcade and a Gothic window. The height of the bell tower in the XVI century reached 126 m, but part of the tower was demolished, fearing collapse. The monastery courtyard adjoins the basilica. The exposition of the Archaeological Museum of Umbria is housed in the cloister. Inside the church, a late Gothic stained glass window with an area of ​​21 × 8.5 m² has been preserved.

Church of St. Herculafle

Church of Sant Ercolano (Chiesa di Sant'Ercolano), photo VJ Photos

Not far from the fortress is the baroque church of Sant Ercolano (Chiesa di Sant'Ercolano) (1297-1325) with an octagonal monumental tower with a clock set on its belfry. Inside is a magnificent relief altar, polychrome murals by Carlone and Julie. The temple preserves the relics of St. Herculaflus - Bishop of Perugia, who lived in the VI century.

Rocca Paolina Fortress

Rocca Paolina Fortress, photo by sandromars

The gloomy fortress of Rocca Paolina (Rocca Paolina) was built in the years 1540-1543 by order of Pope Paul III and was a symbol of the opposition of the papal power with the richest clan of Balloni. By the will of the Pope, aristocratic palaces were surrounded by walls and almost buried underground. “If the rebels do not go to prison, the prison itself goes to the rebels,” he said. Today, only the underground part with fragments of former buildings has remained of the citadel; catacombs are available to tourists.

Gate Marcia

Porta Marzia, photo by Roberto Favini

Gate Marcia (Porta Marzia) - is an Etruscan building of the III century BC. e., composed of travertine blocks, served as the entrance to ancient Perusia. Later, the architect Sangallo, who built Rocca Paolin, saved the monument from demolition by hiding it inside a brick bastion. A stone 11-meter arch with two towers has recently been restored.

On the gate, the words are stamped: Augusta Perusia (burned by Augustus). So Octavian Augustus immortalized his victory: in 40 BC Roman legionnaires burned the fortress.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II), photo by Dawid Skalec

From the gate of Marcia, the route goes to Piazza Italia, Italy, where a bronze equestrian monument to Victor Emmanuel II is installed. The area was built up in the 19th century. Here are the prefecture of Perugia and the provincial administration.

Square November 4

November 4th Square (Piazza IV Novembre), photo by Roberto Marinoni

Center of Perugia - Square on November 4 (Piazza IV Novembre). It is dedicated to the Day of National Unity and the Armed Forces, the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen for the Homeland. The square still remembers the times of the Etruscans and Romans, the bloody massacre of medieval clans.

Priori Palace

Palace of Priorov (Palazzo dei Priori), photo Marco

On November 4, one of the facades of the Priorov Palace comes out (1298), decorated with the symbols of the city: figures of a lion and a griffin. (Priors are members of noble families who ruled the city.) The priors meeting room is painted with frescoes, there are 2 Perugino frescoes. The Umbrian National Gallery is located on the third floor of the Palazzo dei Priori. This art museum features 3,000 works by Umbrian artists, including works by Perugino and Fra Angelico.

In the life of the city, the staircase of the Prior Palace (le scalette) is of particular importance. By the end of the day, young people gather on its steps, play music, celebrate holidays.

Cathedral of Perugia

Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo), photo Parsifall

Opposite the Palazzo dei Priori is Duomo - the baroque Renaissance Cathedral of St. Lorenzo (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo) (1345-1490). The monumental gray building with a covered gallery is partially lined with pink and white marble slabs. Inside - a spacious central hall, separated by octagonal columns from the side naves; the altar created by Signorelli; sculptures by Duccio. The holy relic of San Lorenzo is the engagement ring of the Madonna, donated by the diocese in 1473.

Great fountain

Fontana Maggiore, photo by Massimo Greco

In the middle of the Piazza IV Novembre there is the Great Fountain, created in 1278 in honor of the completion of the construction of the aqueduct, lined with marble allegorical reliefs. The bronze cup of Fontana Maggiore is crowned with a sculptural group of nymphs of Mercy, Hope and Faith carrying jugs of water.

Well of the Etruscans

Well of the Etruscans (Pozzo Etrusco), photo by Enrico Maioli

Etruscan monuments have been preserved in Perugia. In the small Danti square, there is a 36-meter-long Etruscan well (Pozzo Etrusco), dating back to the 3rd century. BC. He was the main source of water supply for the city.

Street Volte della Pace

Street Volte della Pace, photo Claude

Perugia has 2 city walls. The Etruscan wall appeared in the IV-III centuries BC, its length was about 3 km. The second circle of walls with a length of about 9 km appeared during the Middle Ages. There are 6 Etruscan gates in the city (there were 7 in total) and fragments of the defensive wall: now a covered street with Gothic arches - Volte della Pace - passes along it.

Oratorio of San Bernardino

Oratorio of San Bernardino (Oratorio di San Bernardino), photo Fulvio Ghiringhello

Oratorio of San Bernardino (Oratorio di San Bernardino) - a monument of the Renaissance era, built in 1452. Its facades are decorated with terracotta and four-color marble - the exterior relief design was done by Agostino di Duccio. Inside, frescoes by Bonfilie are preserved.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel

Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo), photo Dan Diffendale

The oldest church in Perugia is the early Christian church of St. Michael the Archangel (Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo) (V-VI centuries), built on the site of the Etruscan sanctuary and the pagan Roman Mitreum. The Church of Sant'Angelo is a round two-story building under a tented dome, with ascetic interior decoration.

A bit of history

Panorama of Perugia, photo by HEN-Magonza

The city, founded four centuries before the new era, was part of the Etruscan twelve grades and was called Perusia. In 310 BC became a Roman colony. 40 years BC was burned. After the fall of Rome, Perugia belonged to the Lombards. In the Middle Ages, she changed rulers more than once due to internecine wars. Since 1860 it became part of the United Italy.

Holidays and festivals

Jazz orchestra on the streets of Perugia during Umbria Jazz, photo by Angelo Romano

The main city holiday, the Day of San Costanzo, is dedicated to the heavenly patron of Perugia. Celebrate it on January 29. Everywhere they bake Torcolo cakes with candied fruits, nuts, anise and zest (torcolo di San Costanzo); in the old center are fairs. Characters in historical costumes walk along the streets, processions with torches go.

In June, the Rockin 'Umbria rock marathon takes place here.

In mid-July - a two-week jazz festival of world significance - Umbria Jazz. Musicians perform in theaters and the old fortress, in city squares.

Classical lovers come to Perugia in the fall, for the September musical festival - Sagra Musicale Umbra.

Since 1993, Perugia holds the October Eurochocolate Chocolate Festival - the largest in Europe. The celebration of pastry craftsmanship lasts 9 days; More than 150 manufacturers come together. Italian and foreign chocolatiers arrange expositions of sweet art objects, tastings, master classes. Experts award professional prizes.

Entertainment

Corso Vannucci - shopaholic street, photo by klausbergheimer

Fans of shopping should go to Corso Vannucci: this street is called the "living room of Perugia." It sells shops of Umbrian manufacturers and famous Italian brands; Numerous cafes are open. If you are looking for art rarities, go onto Viola Street. Paintings, installations, original graffiti are exhibited there at every step; Workshops of artists.

Kitchen

Candy Bacio, photo Martina Ghinetti

The cuisine of Perugia is famous for sweets. In addition to the famous local chocolate company Perugina, you should try pignocatte pastries with nuts, Dolce sweet pizza.

In local restaurants, boldly order meat dishes: beef - torello alla Perugina (meat of a young bull); milk veal (filetino de vitello) with truffles and tree mushrooms; strangozzi - pasta with truffles and pork cheeks; goose on a spit. The best places in the city are on Via Ulisse Rocchi.

Try local wines. The province of Perugia specializes in the production of red wines from Sagrantino grapes, which are not only tasty, but also aromatic. Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG are considered some of the best wines in Italy.

What to bring from Perugia

Pecorino Sheep Cheese by Dan

Basically, gastronomic souvenirs: chocolates, olive oil, Norchi prosciutto, black truffles, pecorino cheese with truffles or nuts, parmesan, balsamic vinegar, local wines, Vecchia Umbria - a bitter herbal liquor.

Urban transport

Monorail mini cars, photo by xrispixels

Public transport in Perugia is buses and a mini-metro (1 line 3 km long and 7 stations). There are escalators that connect the lower parts of the city with the elevated ones. Single ticket.

What's around

Passignano sul Trasimeno, photo by Il Pistoiese

Near Perugia, on the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno, is Passignano sul Trasimeno (Passignano sul Trasimeno) - a town that retained its authentic appearance and part of a medieval fortress.

Gubbio is located 53 km to the north. This medieval town for the beauty and abundance of architectural masterpieces is called the "treasure of Umbria." The ancient Candle Festival is celebrated here - the romantic Festa dei Ceri.

Todi, surrounded by three rows of ramparts, is 42 km to the south. There are preserved monuments of the Etruscan era, Roman ruins, architectural masterpieces of the Middle Ages.

62 km south of Perugia, Spoleto stands on a hillside. Through the whole city to the top, where the Albornocian fortress is located, an escalator is laid. The hill offers the surrounding views of amazing beauty.

If you wish, you can still visit Orvieto (Orvieto), Deruta (Deruta), Florence.

Perugia

Watch the video: Perugia, in Umbria, Italy (April 2024).