Diana Petterson 60 Days of Italy, European Continent, Italy

60 Days of Italy – Perugia

Getting in a selfie between the raindrops while standing on the staircase of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with views of the Piazza IV Novembre in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)

Italy Day 27: Perugia

Alice and I made it to Perugia, the capital city of the Umbria region of central Italy, from Arezzo. Although cloudy skies were forecasted, we made it just in time to enjoy the blue sky views of Perugia and the countryside from the Giardini Carducci park area.

The history of Perugia goes back to the Etruscan period. Etruscan civilisation thrived in what is now Tuscany, Umbria and northern Lazio between the 7th and 2nd centuries BC.

Located at the end of the the main street of Corso Vannucci, the small park, atop a once-massive 16th-century fortress known as the Rocca Paolina is a wonderful introduction to the beauty of Perugia and Umbria.

More Perugia and a day trip to Assisi to come.

By the time we arrived in Perugia and got checked into our rooms at Hotel Fortuna, it was already after 3:00 pm, when all the restaurants are closed until the evening. But, lucky for us, we were able to have a delicious late lunch/early dinner at Gusto Impasti & Sapori along the Corso Vannucci, the main street with its beautiful buildings along with restaurants and bars. I ordered this Tagliata with rocket and parmesan flakes and it was delicious. (May 14, 2023)
With our bellies full, Alice and I getting in a selfie from the Belvedere Carducci overlooking the views of Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
From a top a once-massive 16th-century fortress known as the Rocca Paolina with views of the Perugia rooftops. (May 14, 2023)
Views of Perugia and Umbria from a top a once-massive 16th-century fortress known as the Rocca Paolina. (May 14, 2023)
Views of Perugia and Umbria from a top a once-massive 16th-century fortress known as the Rocca Paolina. (May 14, 2023)
Views of Perugia and Umbria from a top a once-massive 16th-century fortress known as the Rocca Paolina. (May 14, 2023)
Stopping at La Bottega del Tartufo along the main street of Corso Vannucci in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
Alice shopping for her truffle seasonings, sauces and other truffle delights at La Bottega del Tartufo along the main street of Corso Vannucci in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
Walking down the main street of Corso Vannucci in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
Walking down Corso Vannucci, the main street in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
Walking down the main street of Corso Vannucci in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
The little alleyway off the main street of Corso Vannucci leading to our hotel, the Hotel Fortuna in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
The little alleyway off the main street of Corso Vannucci leading to our hotel, the Hotel Fortuna in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
The Hotel Fortuna in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
Views of Perugia from Alice’s balcony at our hotel, the Hotel Fortuna. (May 14, 2023)
My room at the Hotel Fortuna in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
My room at the Hotel Fortuna in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)
Views of the alleyway outside my third floor room at the Hotel Fortuna in Perugia. (May 14, 2023)

Italy Days 29 & 30: Exploring the Narrow Medieval Side Streets, Cathedral & Etruscan Walls of Perugia

Although I appreciate history, I am a modern woman and I love my modern conveniences. But being able to roam the endless maze of narrow streets and side streets with majestic archways, hidden churches, winding stairs, stunning medieval architectures and ancient Etruscan walls, is something rather magical.

Come walk with me through the hilly medieval hill town of Perugia.

(Next stop Orvieto.)

My selfie inside at one of the many alleyways off of Corso Vannucci is the main street in Perugia and from there are many side streets that mostly head down hill. (May 16, 2023)
Along Via del Priori, a side street off of the Main Street of Corsa Vannucci in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A side street off of Via del Priori with more steps in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The apse of Church of San Filippo Neri next to a residential building along the narrow street of Via del Priori in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A wood carving on the exterior apse of the Church of San Filippo Neri off of Via del Priori in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The beautiful church of San Filippo Neri (Saint Philip) in Perugia was built between 1627 and 1634 but it was not completed until 1671 when the dome was finished. (May 16, 2023)
The beautiful church of San Filippo Neri (Saint Philip) in Perugia was built between 1627 and 1634 but it was not completed until 1671 when the dome was finished. (May 16, 2023)
A narrow medieval street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A narrow medieval street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A narrow medieval street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
An escalator down to an outdoor car park in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Heading up after the escalator ride up from a street parking area in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A narrow medieval street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A side street tunnel under a building in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Getting in a selfie between the raindrops while standing on the staircase of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with views of the Piazza IV Novembre in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Piazza IV Novembre formerly the Piazza Grande, as seen from the staircase of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, is the historic center of Perugia where one of the main streets, Corso Vannucci, comes to an end by the Fontana Maggiore and across from it, the Palazzo dei Priori. In the 10th century the square became the political and religious center of the city.
At the end of World War I, this main square in Perugia got a new name. It was called 4th of November Square to mark the date of the surrender of Austria-Hungarian forces to Italy. In Perugia, all roads lead to the 4th of November Square because the square has been the starting point for the five main streets of the city, the “Royal Streets.” The square is the site of the original Roman forum of the ancient Etruscan city, Perusia. (May 16, 2023)
The Palazzo dei Priori in the central Piazza IV Novembre in Perugia was built in the Gothic style between 1293 and 1443, in several phases. It houses part of the municipality, and, on the third floor, the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria. It takes its name from the Priori, the highest political authority governing the city in the medieval era. (May 16, 2023)
The Fontana Maggiore, the Great Fountain in the center of Piazza IV Novembre (formerly Piazza Grande) in Perugia, is considered a masterpiece of medieval sculpture and was installed in 1277. It is surrounded by the Palazzo dei Priori on one side and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo on the other side. (May 16, 2023)
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral, in the Piazza IV Novembre is dedicated to San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence. (May 16, 2023)
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral, in the Piazza IV Novembre is dedicated to San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence. (May 16, 2023)
The entrance to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral, in the Piazza IV Novembre is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. (May 16, 2023)
The main altar inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The confessional chapel inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral, in the Piazza IV Novembre is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. (May 16, 2023)
The beautiful pillar of the Madonna felled Grazie inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The rear view closed entryway of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The rear view closed entryway of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A side view of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A side view of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The vaults and walls of the sacristy inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral depicts the story of San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence, with references to the sacred history, episodes and figures of the Old Testament. (May 16, 2023)
The vaults and walls of the sacristy inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral depicts the story of San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence, with references to the sacred history, episodes and figures of the Old Testament. (May 16, 2023)
The vaults and walls of the sacristy inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral depicts the story of San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence, with references to the sacred history, episodes and figures of the Old Testament. (May 16, 2023)
The vaults and walls of the sacristy inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral depicts the story of San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence, with references to the sacred history, episodes and figures of the Old Testament. (May 16, 2023)
The vaults and walls of the sacristy inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral depicts the story of San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence, with references to the sacred history, episodes and figures of the Old Testament. (May 16, 2023)
The vaults and walls of the sacristy inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral depicts the story of San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence, with references to the sacred history, episodes and figures of the Old Testament. (May 16, 2023)
A painting of San Lorenzo or Saint Lawrence (225-258 AD) inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral, dedicated to him. (May 16, 2023)
The Chapel of the Holy Ring inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral, is however unlikely, the wedding ring of Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary. It’s a way to highlight the importance of the nuptial bond and its sacred and mysterious nature for the Christian faith. Also, above the ring, is a painting dated 1825 depicting the Marriage of the Virgin. (May 16, 2023)
A close-up of the Marriage of the Virgin painting and the white onyx espousal ring of the Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary in the Chapel of the Holy Ring inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The white onyx espousal ring of the Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary in the Chapel of the Holy Ring inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
A close-up of the white onyx espousal ring of the Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary in the Chapel of the Holy Ring inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also called the Perugia Cathedral in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Perugia is known as the “City of Chocolate” for the historic presence of the Perugia factory and many other companies specializing in the production of chocolate products. The Eurochocolate shop is one of several chocolate shops in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Inside Eurochocolate shop in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Baci Perugina, which means “kisses” in Italian, was invented by Luisa Spagnoli in 1922. The chocolates are sold in several shops throughout Perugia, an agricultural trade center noted for its chocolate. (May 16, 2023)
Inside the Baci Perugina shop in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Corso Vannucci is the main street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Corso Vannucci is the main street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Corso Vannucci is the main street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
Corso Vannucci is the main street in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The archway entrance to the Rocca Paolina at the southern end of the main street of Corso Vannucci at the escalator system connected to the Piazza Italia with Piazza Partigiani in Perugia. Rocca Paolina was a medieval fortress built in 1540 by Pope Paul III (Farnese) after Perugia was defeated in the Salt War. (May 16, 2023)
The escalator system to the entrance of the Rocca Paolina at the southern end of the main street of Corso Vannucci. Rocca Paolina was a medieval fortress built in 1540 by Pope Paul III (Farnese) after Perugia was defeated in the Salt War. (May 16, 2023)
The escalator system to the entrance of the Rocca Paolina at the southern end of the main street of Corso Vannucci. Rocca Paolina was a medieval fortress built in 1540 by Pope Paul III (Farnese) after Perugia was defeated in the Salt War. (May 16, 2023)
The Rocca Paolina was a Renaissance fortress in Perugia, built in 1540-1543 for Pope Paul III, with a network of streets including the long Via Bagliona which runs through the entire fortress. The Salt War broke out following the rise in price of salt and Perugia’s fought against the Pope’s rule on the salt cost. (May 16, 2023)
The Rocca Paolina was a Renaissance fortress in Perugia, built in 1540-1543 for Pope Paul III, with a network of streets including the long Via Bagliona which runs through the entire fortress. (May 16, 2023)
The Rocca Paolina was a Renaissance fortress in Perugia, built in 1540-1543 for Pope Paul III, with a network of streets including the long Via Bagliona which runs through the entire fortress. (May 16, 2023)
The Rocca Paolina was a Renaissance fortress in Perugia, built in 1540-1543 for Pope Paul III, with a network of streets including the long Via Bagliona which runs through the entire fortress. (May 16, 2023)
(May 16, 2023)
The Rocca Paolina was a Renaissance fortress in Perugia, built in 1540-1543 for Pope Paul III, with a network of streets including the long Via Bagliona which runs through the entire fortress. (May 16, 2023)
The Rocca Paolina was a Renaissance fortress in Perugia, built in 1540-1543 for Pope Paul III, with a network of streets including the long Via Bagliona which runs through the entire fortress. (May 16, 2023)
The exterior Porta Marzia entrance leading to the Via Bagliona street that runs throughout Rocca Paolina in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The exterior Porta Marzia entrance leading to the Via Bagliona street that runs throughout Rocca Paolina in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The exterior Porta Marzia entrance leading to the Via Bagliona street that runs throughout Rocca Paolina in Perugia. (May 16, 2023)
The Porta Marzia is one of the ancient gates of the Etruscan walls of the city of Perugia and is located at Porta Marzia. This 3rd century gate was incorporated into the 1540 masonry of the Rocca Paolina. (May 16, 2023)
The exterior stone walls of the Rocca Paolina and the Porta Marzia entrance. (May 16, 2023)
Walking up and down through medieval Perugia. (May 17, 2023)
Walking up and down through medieval Perugia. (May 17, 2023)
The Etruscan Arch or Arch of Augustus or Augustus Gate is one of eight Etruscan walls of ancient Perusia, today known as Perugia. It was constructed in the second half of the 3rd century BC and was restored by Augustus in 40 BC after his victory in the Perusine War. (May 17, 2023)
The Etruscan Arch or Arch of Augustus or Augustus Gate is one of eight Etruscan walls of ancient Perusia, today known as Perugia. It was constructed in the second half of the 3rd century BC and was restored by Augustus in 40 BC after his victory in the Perusine War. (May 17, 2023)
The Etruscan Arch or Arch of Augustus or Augustus Gate is one of eight Etruscan walls of ancient Perusia, today known as Perugia. (May 17, 2023)
Augustus Gate is one of eight Etruscan walls of ancient Perusia, today known as Perugia. (May 17, 2023)
The water fountain by the Etruscan Arch in Perugia. (May 17, 2023)
The Etruscan Arch or Arch of Augustus or Augustus Gate is one of eight Etruscan walls of ancient Perusia, today known as Perugia. (May 17, 2023)
Modern life in the medieval city of Perugia. (May 17, 2023)
A staircase off of Corso Vannucci, the main street in Perugia. (May 17, 2023)