About this experience
You will have the opportunity to discover the ancient city founded by the mysterious Etruscans. You will see the oldest architectural landmarks and then be transported to medieval Perugia. You will stroll along Via Vanucci, immerse yourself in the times of knights and their ladies, see the Priori Palace, while I will tell you about the city's heyday and its present life.
What to expect
Traces of the Etruscan civilization
Perugia is an ancient city founded by the ancient Etruscans around the 7th century BC. Thanks to its advantageous geographical location, it became one of the most prosperous cities in Etruria. I will show you evidence of the existence of this mysterious civilization in the city - the Augustan Arch, the Sorbello Well, the Marzia Gate, and the fortification walls. These architectural monuments, examples of Etruscan engineering, still impress with their monumental beauty.
Medieval Perugia
As you walk along the medieval alleys of Perugia, a truly magical part of the city, I will tell you about the period of the city's peak in the 11th century. Strolling along Via Vanucci, you will feel like you are in the era of knights and noble ladies. You will see the impressive Priori Palace, built to embody the independent spirit of the citizens in the 12th century, and in the center of the main square of the city, you will admire the Madjore Fountain, whose reliefs reflect the entire history of Perugia, and the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, while I decode everything you see.
In July and September, the most important relic of the church is put on display in the Cathedral of St. Lawrence - the wedding ring of the Virgin Mary, which has been kept under 14 locks at all times.
Great names of Perugia
The companions of the tour will be the people who created great masterpieces in Perugia: Nicola Pisano, Antonio da Sangallo, Perugino and his student Raphael, Pinturicchio, Luca Signorelli, Federico Barocci, and many other famous architects and masters of early medieval and Renaissance art, who worked in Siena, Venice, at the Medici court in Florence, Bologna, Genoa, and Rome.
Depending on the time of your trip to Perugia, you can attend colorful and large-scale events and festivals:
- In October, Umbria welcomes guests to the 'Eurochocolate' festival - during these days, confectioners carve copies of architectural monuments and figures of celebrities from chocolate, hold competitions for the search for 'treasures', various chocolate tastings, and products made from it.
- For over 30 years, one of the most interesting and prestigious jazz festivals, Umbria Jazz, has been held in July. For several days, the city is filled with an amazing atmosphere created by beautiful music.
- In April, an international journalism festival is held.
Organizational details
- You can reach Perugia directly from Rome (2-2.5 hours) or Florence (2-3 hours) without changing trains.
- The historical center of Perugia is located on the highest hill of the city - Colle del Sole. You can get there on foot, by mini-metro (from Fontivegge station to Pinceto), or on special public lifts that go up from car parks.
