PERUGIA: THE ARTISTIC CENTER OF ITALY

Perugia, the capital city of Umbria, is located near the Tiber River and serves as the capital of the Perugian province. It is considered to be the artistic center of Italy, boasting the symbol of the griffin — seen everywhere as plaques and statues throughout the city. It was home to Pietro Vannucci, a famous painter called Perugino. The Sala del Cambio is decorated with a dazzling series of his paintings. In addition, eight of Perugino’s works can be seen at the National Gallery of Umbria. The famous Renaissance artist, Raphael, studied under Perugino.

Perugia is a city of many attractions for visitors. One of the greatest buildings in all of Italy, the Palazzo dei Priori, is located here, as well as the National Gallery of Umbrian art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This exhibit has art by Piero della Francesca, Duccio, Perugino, and Beato Angelico.

Chiesa di San Pietro

There are also many beautiful old churches to enjoy here. These include The Cathedral of S. Lorenzo, San Pietro church and abbey from late 16th century, the Church of Sant’Angelo from the 6th century, the Church of San Bernardino, and Church of Sant’Agata. The Church of Sant’ Ercolano is very worthwhile to add to your sight seeing. Built in the early 14th century, this church currently looks like a polygonal tower. In the beginning it had two floors, but the top one was destroyed when the Rocca Paolina was built. It has Baroque decorations from 1607, and a main altar that is made from a 4th century sarcophagus that was discovered in 1609.

Of course, churches and art are not the only reason to visit Perugia. Each year, usually in July, the Umbria Jazz Festival is held. This has been one of the most important Jazz festivals in Europe since its inception in 1973. Jazz lovers from all over come to enjoy this festival each year.

If you happen to have a sweet tooth, you will be interested to know that chocolate is one of the things this city is famous for. This is mostly due to a company named Perugina making Baci (kisses) that are exported all over the world. As you can imagine, Perugian chocolate is quite popular throughout Italy. In fact, Perugia is home to a yearly chocolate festival held every October.

Accommodations are many and varied in this city. Options available are hotels, bed and breakfasts and Umbria rentals as country houses, historic houses, campsites, religious houses, residential study centers, and farm vacations. As you can see, Perugia has something to offer everyone.