Self-Guided Walking Tour of Perugia, Italy (2025)

Commissioned by Pope Paul III in the 1540s, this fortress eradicated entire sections of what was once a prosperous neighborhood. Although its interior has been transformed to accommodate escalators (scale mobili) leading up to the historic center, the fortress remains a fascinating site. Its formidable walls, atmospheric lighting, and dark nooks and crannies create an intriguing ambiance. Occasionally, the space is used for temporary exhibitions. Above the fortress lies a small park, the Giardini Carducci, offering a peaceful retreat.

The historic Piazza Italia, is a square built to commemorate the events of 1860-1861 that led to the unification of Italy. Piazza Italia is flanked by significant buildings constructed after the demolition of the Paolina Fortress in 1861. Notable structures include the Albergo Brufani, built in 1880, the Bank of Italy from 1871, and the Cesaroni Palace, designed in 1897 by Gugliemo Calderini of Perugia. Calderini also designed the Palace of Justice in Rome. Another of his designs, a residential condominium built in 1872, adds to the architectural landscape of the square.

The distinguished La Rosetta Hotel, dating back to 1716, and the Donini Palace, built in 1724 and known for its magnificent frescoes, also grace the square. At the center of Piazza Italia stands a bronze statue of King Victor Emmanuel II, erected in 1890, symbolizing the unity and pride of the Italian nation.

From 1452 to 1457, the Nobile Collegio del Cambio served as the seat of Perugia’s Moneychangers Guild. This richly adorned building features three notable rooms. The first, the Sala dei Legisti, also known as the Jurists’ Hall, boasts 17th-century wooden stalls intricately carved by Giampiero Zuccari. The second, the Sala dell’Udienza, or Audience Chamber, is known for its inlaid wooden furniture and remarkable Renaissance frescoes by Perugino. The third room, the Cappella di San Giovanni Battista, or Chapel of San Giovanni Battista, showcases exquisite artwork painted by Giannicola di Paolo, a student of Perugino. Together, these rooms reflect the opulence and artistic heritage of Perugia’s guilds.

In Perugia, Piazza IV Novembre is the ultimate crossroads, drawing everyone to its historic embrace. Surrounded by the imposing Palazzo dei Priori and the grand Cattedrale, this square has been central to the city’s life since its time as the Roman forum, continuing through its role as the medieval political and geographic hub. Nowadays, it thrives as a lively meeting spot where locals and visitors alike relax on the cathedral steps, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy the performances of street entertainers.

Umbria’s premier art gallery is located in Palazzo dei Priori on Perugia’s main thoroughfare. This extensive collection, displayed chronologically across 40 rooms, is one of central Italy’s most esteemed, featuring over 3,000 works. The gallery’s holdings span from Byzantine-inspired 13th-century paintings to Gothic works by Gentile da Fabriano and Renaissance masterpieces by local luminaries Pinturicchio and Perugino. Noteworthy pieces include Gentile da Fabriano’s “Madonna con il Bambino e angeli” (early 15th century), Pinturicchio’s “Pala di Santa Maria dei Fossi” altarpiece (1496–98), and Benedetto Bonfigli’s fresco cycle for the Cappella dei Priori (circa 1454–80).

The highlight of Piazza IV Novembre is the exquisite Fontana Maggiore, crafted from delicate pink-and-white marble. This remarkable fountain was conceived by Fra Bevignate and constructed between 1275 and 1278 by the renowned sculptors Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, a talented father-and-son duo. The fountain features a two-tier polygonal basin adorned with around 50 bas-reliefs and 24 statues. These intricate carvings depict scenes from the Old Testament, the founding of Rome, the seven liberal arts, and the signs of the zodiac, along with a griffin and a lion. In this artistic ensemble, the griffin symbolizes Perugia, while the lion represents the Guelphs, the medieval faction that supported the papacy in its conflicts with the Holy Roman Empire.

Dominating Piazza IV Novembre is Perugia’s imposing medieval cathedral. While a church has occupied this site since the 900s, the current structure was initiated in 1345 based on designs by Fra Bevignate. Construction continued until 1587, although the main facade remains unfinished. Inside, visitors can admire striking late-Gothic architecture, an altarpiece by Signorelli, and sculptures by Duccio. The steps in front of the cathedral are a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a prime view of the pink-and-white Fontana Maggiore.

This Roman aqueduct was significantly expanded during the medieval period. In 1254, Fra Bevignate and Boninsegna da Venezia directed the creation of a roughly four-kilometer route to transport water from the springs of Monte Pacciano directly to the city. The project was particularly challenging due to Perugia’s elevated position, which required an innovative solution to move water uphill and across the depressions and steep slopes between the hill and the city. After years of study, the engineers employed a forced pressure conduit, achieving a remarkable hydraulic feat that allowed the water to flow in reverse motion. The project was completed in 1278, when water finally reached the Fontana Maggiore in Piazza IV Novembre. By 1322, as noted on a plaque in the fountain’s upper basin, a more direct route with a greater difference in height and pressure was constructed, further enhancing the aqueduct’s efficiency.

The Arco d’Augusto, once one of seven gates providing access through the Etruscan walls surrounding Perugia, was constructed in the second half of the third century BC. It is named after the Roman Emperor Augustus, who restored the gate in 40 BC following his conquest of the city. Due to the fortified walls and Perugia’s elevated position, Augustus succeeded in capturing Perugia only after a grueling seven-month siege. The inscription “Augusta Perusia” on the gate dates back to this period. The gate’s two arches connect two trapezoidal towers, one of which features a Renaissance loggia added later. Additionally, the fountain at the base of this tower was completed in 1621.

This exquisite 17th-century mansion, once owned by the aristocratic Sorbello family, has been meticulously restored to its opulent 18th-century glory. Adorned with frescoes, gilt detailing, and sparkling chandeliers, the mansion offers guided tours in both Italian and English. Visitors can marvel at the family’s lavish collection of art, porcelain, embroidery, and manuscripts. Among the highlights is a particularly graphic painting by Francesco Vanni depicting the beheading of St. John the Baptist from 1589. Additionally, the mansion features a rare Ca’ Rezzonico–style chandelier by Briati dating back to the 1450s, one of the few such pieces in existence outside of private collections.

The Etruscan Well, also known as Pozzo Etrusco, offers a rare glimpse into the advanced engineering skills of the Etruscan civilization. The well was built to provide a reliable water supply to the city, showcasing the importance of water management in ancient urban planning. Upon entering the well, visitors first view an educational video providing context and historical background. The well itself, constructed in the third century BC, is an impressive feat of ancient hydraulic engineering. A modern walkway allows visitors to explore the interior and view the water source 121 feet (37 meters) below. The chamber is atmospheric, with dim lighting highlighting the ancient stonework.

Built between 1473 and 1481 in the ancient Piazza del Sopramuro, this palace was designed by Lombard architects Gasperino di Antonio and Leone di Matteo. Initially, it served as the residence for the Captains of the People and later the Bargelli (Captains of the Guards). The palace showcases a blend of medieval and Renaissance architectural elements, incorporating pre-existing ancient structures. Originally, the facade featured an additional upper level and was crowned with battlements, which were destroyed in the earthquake of 1741. Luigi Vanvitelli later restored the facade to its current form. The basement of the palace houses buildings with Roman foundations, which were reconstructed at the end of the 14th century.

At the end of the staircase on Via Sant’Ercolano, you’ll find a stunning 16th-century building, accessed through an impressive wooden portal. In the 16th century, this palace, built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, served as the residence of the Arcipriests della Penna. Ascanio della Penna began the art collection in the 18th century, which was relocated at the end of the 19th century. Today, the museum boasts an extensive collection of works by German artist Joseph Beuys and renowned Perugian futurist painter Gerardo Dottori, who co-authored the “Futurist Aeropainting Manifesto” in 1929.

Housed in the former convent of the Basilica di San Domenico, Umbria’s regional archaeology museum boasts an extensive collection of Etruscan and prehistoric artifacts. The collection includes carved funerary urns, coins, and Bronze Age statuary, with pieces dating back to the 16th century BC. One of the museum’s standout pieces is the Cippo Perugino (Perugian Memorial Stone), which features the longest Etruscan-language engraving ever discovered, providing a rare glimpse into this ancient and obscure culture.

South of the town center, beyond the Porta di San Pietro, lies the atmospheric 10th-century basilica complex. Dominated by a landmark bell tower, the basilica’s interior is breathtaking, adorned with opulent displays of gilt and marble. Among its remarkable artworks is a Pietà by Perugino, depicting the dead Christ supported by the Madonna. After exploring the basilica, you can clear your head with a stroll or a picnic in the serene Orto Medievale gardens located behind the complex.