Explore medieval streets and Renaissance palaces in this Umbrian capital. Home to one of Europe's oldest universities and a renowned journalism school.
Perugia, the capital of Umbria, sits on a hilltop 164 km north of Rome. In the medieval center, you can climb the bell tower of Palazzo dei Priori for city views, watch water flow from the 25 bronze spouts of the 13th-century Fontana Maggiore, and walk through the underground streets of Rocca Paolina fortress. The city's two universities fill cafes and piazzas with more than 30,000 Italian and international students, while local chocolate shops sell the famous Baci candies invented here in 1922.
Exploring Perugia's Medieval Center
Piazza IV Novembre forms the city's main square, with the Gothic Palazzo dei Priori rising 50 meters above the pavement. The 13th-century Fontana Maggiore displays intricate carvings of biblical scenes and zodiac signs, while the adjacent San Lorenzo Cathedral contains 15th-century choir stalls and medieval frescoes. Walk along Corso Vannucci, where students and locals stroll during the evening hours. At the street's end, a terrace looks out across olive groves and the Umbrian countryside.
Underground City at Rocca Paolina
Inside the 16th-century Rocca Paolina fortress, you'll find preserved medieval streets and buildings beneath the modern city. Take the escalators through this underground network, which locals use daily to move between the lower and upper city. The tunnels contain intact medieval house foundations, doorways, and street layouts from buildings covered when Pope Paul III constructed the fortress.
Universities and Cultural Life
The University of Perugia (founded 1308) and the University for Foreigners bring students from across Italy and abroad. Students fill the cafes and bars around Via della Viola and Via del Sole until late evening. During the Umbria Jazz Festival in July, musicians perform in squares and theaters across the city. The International Journalism Festival in April fills lecture halls and palazzos with media discussions and workshops.
Chocolate and Local Food
Small chocolate shops throughout the center continue Perugia's chocolate-making legacy, started by Perugina's Baci chocolates in 1922. You'll find restaurants serving Umbrian dishes like stringozzi pasta with black truffle and grilled pork along Via Oberdan and Via Alessi. The covered market near Via Settevalli opens Monday through Saturday, selling local produce, Umbrian cheese, and cured meats from nearby farms.
Day Trips from Perugia
Several Umbrian towns lie within an hour's drive. Visit Assisi (19 km away) to see Giotto's frescoes in the Basilica of St. Francis. In Gubbio (40 minutes north), you can explore a well-preserved Roman theater and ride the cable car to Monte Ingino. Lake Trasimeno, 20 km west, has swimming beaches and hiking paths around its shore, plus boats to three small islands.
Getting Around
The MiniMetrò's red automated cars run every 3 minutes between the valley and historic center. From Perugia Fontivegge train station, trains depart for Rome (2.5 hours) and Florence (2 hours) several times daily. San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, 12 km east, connects to London, Brussels, and other European cities.
