Palazzo dei Priori, Perugia
Town Hall in Perugia
On the edge of Piazza IV Novembre, the Palazzo dei Priori, or Town Hall of Perugia, dominates the scene with its crenellated roofline, tall windows and powerful stone walls. Stretching along Corso Vannucci to Via Boncambi, this complex is a textbook example of the medieval eta comunale style of civic palaces, where government, justice and trade were all housed under one imposing roof. Today, it still functions as part of the town hall and also hosts the National Gallery of Umbria, making it one of the top attractions in Perugia for anyone interested in both history and art.
Construction of the palace unfolded between 1293 and 1443 in several phases, giving it a layered appearance that repays close inspection. The oldest section is the Room of the Notaries, still in use, with three elegant trifora windows and a trefoil portal facing the square, while the façade along Corso Vannucci is punctuated by ten triforas and four-light windows that give rhythm and lightness to the heavy masonry. On the less visible western side, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo incorporates what was once the tower house of Madonna Dialdiana, expanded over time to include two churches and the College of the Exchange Guild. Walking through these spaces today, especially via the Major Portal built in 1325, is a highlight of any walking tour of Perugia because you are literally moving through the city's medieval power centre.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- Things to See and Do in the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- How to Get to the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- Where to Stay close to the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- Is the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- Nearby Attractions to the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
History and Significance of the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
Palazzo dei Priori arose during Perugia's heyday as a self-governing medieval commune. Built between 1293 and 1443 in stages, it reflects the growing ambition and complexity of the city's government, which needed a seat worthy of its expanding role in regional politics and trade. The design follows the eta comunale model used across central and northern Italy for public palaces, with a fortress-like exterior symbolising strength and independence, while its internal halls hosted assemblies, courts and guild meetings.
The oldest part of the complex is the Room of the Notaries, a space that underlines the importance of written records and legal agreements in communal life. Its three trifora windows and trefoil portal facing Piazza IV Novembre, along with the multiple triforas and four-light windows along Corso Vannucci, are classic Gothic elements that bring light into what might otherwise be an austere building. On the western side, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo evolved from the tower house of Madonna Dialdiana, showing how private properties were gradually absorbed into the expanding civic complex as Perugia consolidated its institutions.
Between 1326 and 1443, the façade and palace were enlarged again, taking in two churches and adding the College of the Exchange Guild, which linked civic power directly to Perugia's mercantile class. Although the palace underwent many alterations in later centuries, a major restoration after 1860 aimed to return it to its medieval appearance, reinforcing its identity as a symbol of the city's communal past. Today, the saying that “all roads lead to Piazza IV Novembre” applies strongly here: the Town Hall is not only an administrative hub but also a cultural anchor, home to the National Gallery of Umbria and a focal point in the urban fabric.
Things to See and Do in the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
Start your visit from Piazza IV Novembre, where the palace's façade rises above the Great Fountain and the cathedral. From here you can appreciate the crenellations, mullioned windows and the robust volume that convey both defensive strength and civic pride. Look for the three trifora windows and trefoil portal that mark the Room of the Notaries, and imagine notaries, magistrates and councillors passing through this same entrance centuries ago.
Enter through the Major Portal, constructed in 1325, to step into the historic core of the Town Hall. Inside, the sequence of halls and staircases reveals how the palace grew over time, incorporating the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the former churches and guild spaces. When open, the richly decorated chambers and meeting rooms provide a glimpse into the ceremonial life of the commune and, later, the city's administrators. Take time to notice fresco fragments, coats of arms and carved details that underline how art and symbolism were woven into daily governance.
One of the main reasons to visit Palazzo dei Priori today is the National Gallery of Umbria, accessed directly from within the complex. Its collection is the most important repository of Umbrian art, spanning medieval panels, Renaissance masterpieces and later works that trace the region's visual culture. You can admire altarpieces, paintings and sculptures by artists who worked in Perugia and its surroundings, giving context to the churches and squares you see outside. By combining the palace's architecture with the gallery's art, you gain a rounded sense of how power, faith and creativity intersected here, making Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall one of the things to do in Perugia that truly deepens your understanding of the city.
How to Get to the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall stands on Piazza IV Novembre and stretches along Corso Vannucci in the very centre of Perugia, so it is easy to reach once you are in the historic core. Perugia is served by the San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport and can also be accessed from larger airports such as Rome or Florence, followed by regional trains, coaches or hire cars into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Perugia on Booking.com. From the airport, buses, the minimetrò and taxis connect you with the hilltop centre, from where it is a short walk to the main square and the palace.
If you arrive by train, Perugia’s main station at Fontivegge links to many central Italian cities. 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 there, you can take the minimetrò or a city bus up to the centro storico and then follow signs toward Corso Vannucci and Piazza IV Novembre; Palazzo dei Priori occupies much of the western side of the square and the upper stretch of the corso.
Travelling by car, follow signs for Perugia and then the historic centre, bearing in mind that much of the old town lies within a restricted-traffic zone. Park in one of the public car parks around the edges of the centre and then walk or use escalators and lifts up into the main streets. 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 you reach Corso Vannucci or Piazza IV Novembre, the palace is impossible to miss, and the entrance to the National Gallery of Umbria is clearly signposted.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- Suggested tips: Combine your visit to Palazzo dei Priori with time at the Great Fountain, Cathedral of San Lorenzo and nearby streets to get a full sense of Perugia's civic and religious core in one loop.
- Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon offers a good balance of light for the façades and quieter interiors; evenings are perfect for appreciating the exterior illuminated from Piazza IV Novembre.
- Entrance fee: Adults: €10
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 8:30 – 19:00
Monday From April 1 to October 31: 12:00-19:30 - Official website: https://gallerianazionaledellumbria.it/museo/
- How long to spend: Allow 60-90 minutes if you plan to visit both the palace interiors and the National Gallery of Umbria; shorter if you are only appreciating the exterior and a few main rooms.
- Accessibility: Historic architecture means some areas have steps and uneven floors, but there are usually designated routes or lifts for visitors with reduced mobility; ask at the entrance for the best accessible path.
- Facilities: Ticket desks, information points and toilets are available within the palace complex, while cafés, restaurants and shops are plentiful around Piazza IV Novembre and along Corso Vannucci.
- Photography tip: Capture the palace from the far side of Piazza IV Novembre to include the crenellations and windows, then step into Corso Vannucci for perspective shots along the façade; inside, focus on frescoes, carved details and atmospheric staircases.
- Guided tours: Guided tours often combine Palazzo dei Priori with the cathedral, fountain and other central monuments, providing insight into Perugia's political and artistic history.
- Nearby food options: Once you step outside, you are within a few minutes of numerous cafés, gelaterias and trattorias where you can sample Umbrian specialities after your visit.
Where to Stay close to the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
Staying near Palazzo dei Priori puts you in the perfect position to explore Perugia's historic centre on foot. For an elegant base with sweeping views and a short walk to Piazza IV Novembre, Sina Brufani offers classic rooms and a refined atmosphere near the top of the old town. If you want to be tucked into the medieval streets just behind the palace, Hotel Priori Secret Garden combines historic charm with contemporary comfort only a few minutes' walk from the Town Hall and Corso Vannucci. A friendly, budget-conscious choice is Albergo Morlacchi, set on a quiet side street within easy reach of Palazzo dei Priori, the cathedral and many of the city's best restaurants and bars.
Is the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall Worth Visiting?
Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall is absolutely worth visiting, particularly if you enjoy medieval architecture, city history and regional art. As both an active municipal building and the home of the National Gallery of Umbria, it bridges Perugia's past and present in a single complex. The Gothic façades, historic rooms and outstanding art collection give you a deep sense of how power and culture have worked together here for centuries. Even if you only have a short time in Perugia, stepping through the Major Portal and exploring at least part of the interior adds real depth to your understanding of the city.
What Other Travellers Say...
Piazza IV Novembre in Perugia is the city's central square, framed by the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori and anchored by the 13th-century Fontana Maggiore; visitors praise its medieval atmosphere, shaded steps perfect for sitting and watching the fountain, narrow streets and valley views nearby, and lively events such as the annual chocolate festival, while noting it's a worthwhile short stop though not essential if you're pressed for time.
FAQs for Visiting Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
Nearby Attractions to the Palazzo dei Priori Town Hall
- Piazza IV Novembre: Perugia's main square, built over the ancient Roman forum and framed by the cathedral, Great Fountain and key civic buildings.
- Great Fountain of Perugia: Monumental medieval fountain celebrating the city's hydraulic achievements, located in front of the palace.
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo: Historic cathedral forming one side of Piazza IV Novembre, with roots in the early medieval period.
- Rocca Paolina: Atmospheric remains of a 16th century fortress integrated into the fabric of the city, accessible via escalators and underground passages.
- Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco): Ancient waterwork hidden in the old town, demonstrating Perugia's long-standing mastery of hydraulic engineering.
The Palazzo dei Priori 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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Planning Your Visit
Tuesday to Friday 8:30 - 19:00
Monday From April 1 to October 31: 12:00-19:30
Adults: €10
Nearby Attractions
- Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia (0.0) km
Historic Building and Museum - Piazza IV Novembre (0.0) km
Square - National Gallery of Umbria (0.0) km
Gallery - Fontana Maggiore (0.0) km
Fountain - Underground Perugia (0.1) km
Historic Site - Corso Vannucci (0.1) km
Street - Nobile Collegio del Cambio (0.1) km
Museum - Cathedral of San Lorenzo (0.1) km
Cathedral - Etruscan Well (0.1) km
Historic Site - Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (0.1) km
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