Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia

Historic Building and Museum in Perugia

Perugia - Collegio Della Mercanzia — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Accurimbono

The Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia (The Merchants Guild) is conveniently located on Corso Vannucci, just steps from Palazzo dei Priori and the National Gallery of Umbria (Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria), and near the Nobile Collegio del Cambio (Money Changers Guild). Visitors can purchase a combined ticket for both “Collegio” museums, saving .50 cents, and explore these historical attractions in about an hour. These chambers, once belonging to Perugia’s wealthiest guilds, showcase the power and influence they wielded during their prime.

Historical Significance: The Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia was the first guild in Perugia, established to regulate the cloth trade. This Perugia attraction consists of a single chamber known as the Audience Hall (Sala di Udienza), adorned from floor to ceiling with inlaid wood panels depicting prisms and quatrefoils, interspersed with sculptural wooden details.

Lavish Interiors: The Audience Hall is a stunning display of craftsmanship. The room features a “Pulpit of Justice,” partially recessed into a long row of wooden benches on the left side, where disputes were heard. The pulpit is adorned with carved, painted, and gold-leafed wooden figures representing the four cardinal virtues: Justice, Fortitude, Prudence, and Temperance. On the right side of the room, just beyond the inlaid counters, the emblem of the Guild—the griffin of Perugia standing atop a bale of wool—is prominently displayed under the bezel of the vaulted ceiling.

Combined Visit: Exploring both the Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia and the Nobile Collegio del Cambio with a combined ticket offers visitors a comprehensive view of Perugia’s rich mercantile and financial history. The beautifully preserved interiors and extensive collections provide a fascinating insight into the economic and artistic heritage of the city.

Summary

The Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and craftsmanship of Perugia. Its lavish interiors and historical significance offer a unique glimpse into the power and influence of the city’s first guild, making it a captivating addition to any visit to Perugia.

The Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Visiting Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia

Hours:

March 1 to October 31: Tuesday to Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 2:30pm-5:30pm, Sundays & Holidays 9am-1pm. Closed Mondays

November 1 to February 28: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 8:00am-2:00pm, Wednesdays & Saturdays 8am-4:30pm, Sundays & Holidays 9:00am-1:00pm. Closed on Mondays

Closed on January 1st and December 25th.

Price:

€1.50

Duration: 20 minutes