Perugino Monument, Perugia

Monument in Perugia

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gianni Careddu

Set in the leafy Carducci Gardens, the Perugino Monument is a graceful tribute to one of Umbria's greatest painters, Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino. Conceived by Quattrini, the statue presents an all-round figure of the artist himself, modelled on his self portrait in the Collegio del Cambio, with his ceremonial robone wrapped around his body and a bundle of sketches in his hand, one sheet showing a delicate Virgin in unmistakably Perugian style. It is an evocative piece that feels both intimate and monumental, and easily one of the top attractions in Perugia if you are interested in Renaissance art.

The figure of Perugino rises from a high cubic marble base clad with bronze bas relief panels that narrate episodes from his life and from the career of his most famous pupil, Raphael. At the foot of the monument, a winged genius, rendered with lively naturalism, holds a palette and brush towards the master above, as if painting up into the air. Surrounded by park trees and views, the Perugino Monument is a highlight of any walking tour of Perugia, offering a quiet moment to reflect on the city's artistic heritage in a setting that locals use every day.

History and Significance of the Perugino Monument
Things to See and Do in the Perugino Monument
How to Get to the Perugino Monument
Practical Tips on Visiting the Perugino Monument
Where to Stay close to the Perugino Monument
Is the Perugino Monument Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Perugino Monument
Nearby Attractions to the Perugino Monument

History and Significance of the Perugino Monument

The Perugino Monument grew out of an early twentieth century desire to give the city's most famous painter a public memorial worthy of his reputation. Quattrini's design turned Perugino into a full bodied presence in the urban landscape, using the artist's own self portrait from the Collegio del Cambio as a starting point. In the sculpture he clutches the end of his robone with one hand and holds a sheaf of drawings with the other, a gesture that underlines his status as both respected citizen and working artist.

The high marble base beneath him serves as a narrative pedestal, decorated on all four sides with bronze bas relief panels that show key episodes from Perugino’s life and the career of Raphael, the greatest of his pupils. These scenes connect teacher and student, making it clear that Perugino’s legacy flowed not just through his own paintings but through the artists he influenced. Completing the ensemble is the agile winged genius at the foot of the monument, palette and brush in hand, whose upward pointing gesture symbolically links earthly craft and artistic inspiration.

The bronze elements of the monument were cast at the Albanesi foundry in Rome, and the finished statue was unveiled with great ceremony on 23 September 1923 in the presence of Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy Aosta. Its first proposed location, outside the Turreno Theater, was identified as early as 1907 by a group of artists, but it took sixteen years before the monument finally appeared in Piazza Sant'Isidoro, later renamed Piazza della Repubblica. In 1940 it was moved to its current position in the centre of the Carducci Gardens, where the greenery, views and passing Perugians give it a more relaxed but still dignified setting.

Things to See and Do in the Perugino Monument

When you approach the monument in the Carducci Gardens, start by circling slowly around the statue of Perugino himself. Notice how the sculptor has captured the folds of the robone, the thoughtful tilt of the head and the way the artist’s left hand gathers the fabric while his right grips the bundle of sheets. If you look closely at the visible drawing, you can pick out the fine lines of a Virgin figure, evoking the gentle, harmonious style that made Perugino so influential.

Next, turn your attention to the marble base and its four bronze bas relief panels. Each one tells a different episode from Perugino’s life or from Raphael’s, essentially turning the pedestal into a compact visual biography. Even without knowing every story, you can read the relationship between the figures, the settings and the tools of the trade, and use the scenes as prompts to think about the workshop culture and apprenticeships that defined Renaissance art. The contrast between the smooth marble and the richly modelled bronze adds to the monument’s visual interest.

Do not overlook the winged genius at the foot of the monument. This nimble figure, depicted with wings, palette and raised brush, acts almost like a bridge between you and the taller statue above. Its upward reaching gesture leads your eye back to Perugino, symbolising inspiration flowing towards the master. After you have taken in the details, step back and see how the whole composition sits within the gardens, framed by trees and paths. It is an ideal spot to pause on a bench, take photos or simply enjoy the combination of art, landscape and city views.

How to Get to the Perugino Monument

Most visitors reach Perugia via Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport or larger hubs such as Rome and Florence, then continue into the city by bus, train or car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Perugia on Booking.com. From the local airport, shuttle buses and taxis usually bring you to Perugia’s lower town, where you can connect with the minimetro or local buses up to the historic centre.

Perugia's main railway station lies below the hilltop, with regular services from cities like Rome, Florence and Assisi.Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. From the station, take the minimetro or a city bus up towards the historic core, then walk along the main streets and promenades to the Carducci Gardens, which overlook part of the valley and are clearly signposted.

If you are travelling by car, major roads lead into Perugia from the Umbrian countryside and neighbouring regions, with signed exits directing you to multi storey or terrace car parks near the centre.If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Once parked, you can head up to the old town via escalators or the minimetro and then follow signs to the gardens, reaching the Perugino Monument on foot along scenic routes.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Perugino Monument

Suggested tips: Combine a visit to the monument with a leisurely stroll through the Carducci Gardens, bringing a short list of Perugino works to look up later so you can connect the statue to his paintings.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light for photos and a quieter atmosphere in the gardens, especially in spring and autumn.
Entrance fee: The monument and gardens are freely accessible
Opening hours: The Carducci Gardens are generally open throughout the day.
Official website:
How long to spend: Around 20-40 minutes is usually enough to walk around the statue, study the bas reliefs and enjoy the garden setting, longer if you linger on a bench.
Accessibility: Paths in the gardens are mostly gentle, but some slopes and uneven surfaces may be present; visitors with mobility concerns should choose routes carefully from the historic centre.
Facilities: Benches and green spaces are available in the gardens; for toilets, cafés and shops you will rely on the nearby streets of the old town.
Photography tip: Step back to frame the statue against the trees or city skyline, then move in close to capture details of the Virgin sketch, the bas relief scenes and the winged genius at the base.
Guided tours: Ask at local tourist offices or with walking tour providers about routes that include the Carducci Gardens and the monument as part of a broader Perugino themed itinerary.
Nearby food options: Look for cafés and trattorias along the streets leading back towards the main squares, where you can sit with a coffee or aperitivo after your garden visit.

Where to Stay close to the Perugino Monument

Choosing accommodation in or near Perugia's historic centre makes it easy to reach the Carducci Gardens and the Perugino Monument on foot. A classic option is Sina Brufani, which offers sweeping views and a short walk to the promenades above the valley. For a more intimate atmosphere, Hotel Fortuna provides characterful rooms tucked into historic streets, with easy access to both the gardens and Corso Vannucci. If you prefer a boutique feel with a touch of greenery, Hotel Priori Secret Garden gives you a charming base within walking distance of the main sights and a pleasant stroll away from the monument.

Is the Perugino Monument Worth Visiting

If you are even mildly interested in Renaissance art, the Perugino Monument is definitely worth seeking out. It turns the abstract idea of “Perugino the master” into a tangible presence, complete with sketches, stories and symbols that celebrate both his career and his influence on Raphael. The setting in the Carducci Gardens adds another layer of appeal, offering a peaceful space to pause between museum and church visits and to reflect on how deeply Perugino's legacy is woven into Perugia's identity. As a compact, freely accessible sight that combines sculpture, landscape and history, it is one of the must see places in Perugia for culture minded travellers.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (22)

Statua di Pietro Vannucci detto Il Perugino sits in the Carducci Gardens on an elevated marble pedestal: a dark bronze, larger-than-life figure with billowing robes holding sketches, and at its base a winged angel once offering a paintbrush. Visitors praise the statue as a striking monument to the Renaissance painter and a must-see for tourists, noting good views and a panorama from the nearby balcony that reaches toward towns such as Assisi.

Thuy Le

7 years ago

"Nice view And nice place"

Marcelo Bonifacino

6 months ago

"Pietro di Cristoforo Vanucci, known as Perugino (Città della Pieve, c. 1448 – Fontignano, February or March 1523), was an Italian Quattrocentopainter, transitioning towards the High Renaissance. His nickname, Il Perugino ("the Little Perugino"), comes from his birthplace, Perugia. His two main influences were Piero della Francesca and Verrocchio, though filtered through the softer style of Umbrian painting, of whose school he was a leader. He ran two very active contemporary workshops, one in Florence and the other in Perugia. His fame was overshadowed by that of his most prestigious pupil, Raphael. From Wikipedia..."

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Nostromo Subacqueo

2 years ago

"It is a magnificent statue, a monument to the famous painter who made Perugia famous in the world during the Renaissance: Pietro Va ucci. For thetourist who comes to Perugia, this visit is mandatory, further on from the balcony you can see the panorama of the nearby cities such as Assisi...."

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FAQs for Visiting Perugino Monument

The monument stands in the Carducci Gardens, a green space near the edge of the historic centre that overlooks the surrounding valley and is reached by a short walk from the main streets.

Most visitors spend 20-40 minutes here, allowing time to walk around the statue, study the bas reliefs and enjoy the garden views before moving on.

No, the monument is in a public garden and can be viewed free of charge at any time during opening hours.

Nearby Attractions to the Perugino Monument

Carducci Gardens viewpoints: Scenic terraces and paths overlooking the valley, perfect for photos and a quiet break.
Rocca Paolina: The atmospheric underground fortress complex carved into the hillside, offering a striking contrast to the open gardens above.
Corso Vannucci: Perugia's main pedestrian street, ideal for a stroll, shopping and people watching after your garden visit.
Piazza IV Novembre and Fontana Maggiore: The city's main square, with a beautiful medieval fountain and views of the cathedral and Palazzo dei Priori.
Basilica di San Domenico: A large Gothic church with significant artworks, located within a comfortable walking distance from the gardens and monument.

The Perugino Monument appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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