Piazza IV Novembre, Perugia

Square in Perugia

Perugia, Umbria
Perugia, Umbria

At the very heart of Perugia, Piazza IV Novembre is where the city has gathered for two millennia. Renamed after World War I to commemorate the 4 November armistice, this square sits directly over the ancient Roman forum of Perusia and today anchors the historic centre in every direction: five main streets, once known as the Royal Streets, radiate out from here like spokes. Sit on the steps, listen to the splash of the Fontana Maggiore and watch locals stroll past, and you quickly understand why this piazza is one of the must-see places in Perugia for both residents and visitors.

By the 10th century, the square was firmly established as Perugia's political and religious core, and the buildings around it tell that story in stone. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, whose origins go back to the 9th century, rises above the site of the old forum, while the 13th century Fontana Maggiore has long been the city's emblem. On one side stands the Palazzo dei Priori (Town Hall), commissioned when the Platea Magna Comunis was reshaped in the 13th century to accommodate a larger cathedral and new civic buildings. Today, the square hosts everything from jazz concerts to chocolate festivals and is often visited on walking tours of Perugia as the natural starting point for exploring the city.

History and Significance of Piazza IV Novembre

Piazza IV Novembre occupies the same ground that once formed the Roman forum of Perusia, the crossroads of civic, commercial and religious life in the ancient city. When Christianity took hold, the new faith appropriated this symbolic centre: the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, begun in the 9th century, was built directly over the forum, cementing the area's role as the city's spiritual heart. By the 10th century, the open space before the cathedral had become Perugia's main square, hosting markets, assemblies and public ceremonies.

In the 13th century, as Perugia grew in power and prestige, the city government commissioned a major reworking of the Platea Magna Comunis, the “Great Square” between the cathedral and what is now Piazza della Repubblica. This project responded to the need to enlarge the cathedral and create a new Town Hall, now known as the Palazzo dei Priori, giving the square the basic outlines it still preserves. The installation of the Fontana Maggiore in 1277 added a monumental focal point: a tiered stone fountain whose carved panels narrate biblical and civic themes, turning the piazza into an open-air statement of Perugia's identity.

Over the centuries, Piazza IV Novembre has witnessed processions, proclamations, popular celebrations and periods of crisis. It was fortified in the Middle Ages, enclosed with battlements and gates that could be shut at night, and ringed with artisan workshops and market stalls. After World War I, the square was renamed in honour of 4 November, the date marking the surrender of Austria-Hungary to Italy, but its role remained the same: the beating civic and symbolic heart of Perugia, where past and present meet every day.

Things to See and Do in Piazza IV Novembre

Start by circling the Fontana Maggiore, the 13th century fountain that anchors the centre of the square. Look closely at its carved panels and figures, which combine biblical scenes, allegories and references to civic life; even if you do not decipher all the iconography, the craftsmanship and symmetry are a pleasure to study. From here, lift your gaze to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, whose slightly asymmetrical façade and wide steps provide a natural viewing platform over the piazza and an informal seating area for locals.

Turn towards the Palazzo dei Priori, the Town Hall built when the Great Square was reshaped in the 13th century. Its crenellated roofline, arched windows and sturdy stone walls tell of a time when civic power needed to look both impressive and defensible. If you have time, step inside to explore its frescoed chambers and, when open, the civic museum spaces that reveal more of Perugia's medieval and Renaissance story. On another side of the square, you will find the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and later palazzi that show how the square's edges evolved across the centuries while still respecting the original Roman grid beneath.

Between sights, do what Perugians do: slow down. Grab a coffee, gelato or aperitivo at one of the bars facing the square and simply watch the flow of life. In summer, the Umbria Jazz Festival fills the area with music; in autumn, the Fiera dei Morti brings stalls and crowds; in spring, Perugia 1416 recreates the era of Braccio Fortebraccio with colourful historical reenactments; and around March and April, Eurochocolate turns the surrounding streets into a paradise for chocolate lovers. Whether you are here for a festival or on a quiet weekday, Piazza IV Novembre remains one of the best places to visit in Perugia to feel the city's pulse.

How to Get to Piazza IV Novembre

Piazza IV Novembre lies at the very centre of Perugia's historic core, so once you are in the city it is an easy walk from most central points. Perugia is served by its own airport, Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport, and can also be reached via larger hubs such as Rome or Florence before continuing by train, coach or car into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Perugia on Booking.com. From the airport or bus terminal, local buses, the minimetrò and taxis will bring you up to the historic centre, from where you can follow signs to the cathedral and Piazza IV Novembre.

If you are arriving by train, Perugia's main station (Perugia Fontivegge) connects with regional and long-distance services across central Italy. 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, you can take the minimetrò or a city bus up to the hilltop centre and then walk along Corso Vannucci or one of the other main streets that eventually open out into Piazza IV Novembre. Alternatively, a taxi from the station will drop you within a few steps of the square.

For drivers, Perugia’s hilltop layout and restricted-traffic zones mean it is best to park in one of the car parks located below or just outside the historic centre and then use escalators, lifts or the minimetrò to reach the top. 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 in the old town, simply follow the flow of pedestrians and signs towards the Duomo; as all roads seem to converge on Piazza IV Novembre, you will soon find yourself in the heart of the action.

Practical Tips on Visiting Piazza IV Novembre

  • Suggested tips: Use Piazza IV Novembre as your orientation point in Perugia; start your explorations here, then branch out along the “Royal Streets” to discover different quarters before returning in the evening.
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon and early evening give the best mix of atmosphere and light, especially when café terraces are busy and the surrounding buildings glow in the sunset.
  • Entrance fee: Free – Piazza IV Novembre is a public square open to everyone.
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day; surrounding churches, museums and shops follow their own schedules.
  • How long to spend: Plan at least 45-60 minutes to appreciate the square, visit the cathedral or Palazzo dei Priori, and linger over a drink; allow longer if your visit coincides with a festival.
  • Accessibility: The square is largely level and pedestrian, though some approaches from side streets are sloped; it is generally manageable for wheelchairs and strollers, especially from main access routes.
  • Facilities: Numerous cafés, bars and restaurants line the square and nearby streets, and you will find ATMs, shops and tourist information within a short walk.
  • Photography tip: Shoot from the cathedral steps to capture the fountain and palazzi in one frame; during festivals, experiment with wider angles to include crowds and temporary stages without losing the historic backdrop.
  • Guided tours: Many city tours include Piazza IV Novembre as their main stop, using it to explain Perugia's layers from Etruscan and Roman times through the Middle Ages to the present.
  • Nearby food options: Explore side streets radiating from the piazza for traditional trattorias and wine bars where you can try Umbrian specialties like torta al testo, strangozzi pasta and local wines.

Where to Stay close to Piazza IV Novembre

Staying near Piazza IV Novembre puts you in the centre of Perugia's historic and social life. For a classic, comfortable stay with grand views and easy access to the square, Sina Brufani offers an elegant base just a short walk away along the main spine of the old town. If you prefer to be tucked into the medieval streets right behind the square, Hotel Priori Secret Garden combines historic charm with a cosy atmosphere, ideal for exploring on foot. A more budget friendly but central option is Albergo Morlacchi, set on a quiet street within a few minutes’ walk of the piazza, the cathedral and many of Perugia’s best eateries.

Is Piazza IV Novembre Worth Visiting?

Piazza IV Novembre is absolutely worth visiting and will almost certainly become a touchstone during your time in Perugia. It is where the city's history comes together - from the buried Roman forum to the medieval cathedral and fountain - and where its present plays out in festivals, protests, concerts and everyday meetings. Whether you come for a specific event like Umbria Jazz or simply to sip a coffee on the steps and watch the world go by, the square offers a powerful sense of place that few Italian cities can match.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (13,124)

Piazza IV Novembre sits at the heart of Perugia and is dominated by the 13th-century Fontana Maggiore, with the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori flanking the open square; visitors praise its medieval atmosphere, shaded steps ideal for sitting and people-watching, fine views over the surrounding valleys, and frequent events—most notably a large chocolate festival—making it a pleasant stop if you have an hour to spare.

Angelica Bobocea
a month ago
"If you want to have a beautiful experience in un autentic medieval city... GO TO PERUGIA!!! I was yesterday and it's the same city that i left sevenyears ago... with his Fontana Maggiore, with his narrow streets and wonderful views over the valleys around and, of course, his friendly people... and if you go this days you can eat a lot of chocolate becouse it's the Eurochocolate (international chocolate exhibition)..."
Larry C
2 months ago
"The piazza is big and is framed by two huge buildings -- a cathedral and a municipal building. The fountain in the center is impressive with 50 basrelief depicting life of working people in the early middle ages. It's worth an hour of your time but not a great loss of you skip it...."
Keith Russell
5 months ago
"Lovely square.Nice steps to sit on, in the shade, to look at the fountain and enjoy the atmosphere. Perugia is well worth a visit."

FAQs for Visiting Piazza IV Novembre

Yes, it sits at the centre of the historic core and is the junction of the main streets, so from here you can walk easily to most major sights, shops and restaurants.
Several: Umbria Jazz in summer, the historic Perugia 1416 reenactment in June, the Fiera dei Morti in autumn, and Eurochocolate in spring all use the square as a key stage.
The square is lively and well frequented into the evening, especially when cafés and bars are open; as always, normal city awareness is recommended, but it is generally considered safe for an evening stroll.

Nearby Attractions to the Piazza IV Novembre

  • Cathedral of San Lorenzo: Perugia's cathedral, standing on the ancient Roman forum site and forming one whole side of the square.
  • Fontana Maggiore: The 13th century marble fountain in the centre of Piazza IV Novembre, a sculpted symbol of the city.
  • Palazzo dei Priori: Medieval Town Hall with crenellated roofline and historic chambers, reflecting Perugia's civic power.
  • Rocca Paolina: Remains of a 16th century fortress built into and under the city, now a fascinating network of vaulted streets and passages.
  • Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco): Deep stone well from the Etruscan era, revealing the engineering skill that sustained ancient Perugia.

The Piazza IV Novembre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

Moira & Andy
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!

Read our full story here

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

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Open 24 hours a day; surrounding churches, museums and shops follow their own schedules.

Price:

Free - Piazza IV Novembre is a public square open to everyone.

Address: Piazza IV Novembre, Perugia, Province of Perugia, Italy
Perugia: 0 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs