10 things to see in Perugia: explore the city from Poggio del Drago!

Discover Perugia: excursion in Umbria

Perugia, with its rich artistic, cultural and historical heritage, invites visitors on an unforgettable journey through the centuries. Every corner, every square, every monument tells a story, offering a unique perspective on the complexity and beauty of this Umbrian city. From the Major Fountain, a symbol of medieval ingenuity, to the National Gallery of Umbria, custodian of the works of art that have marked the region’s artistic evolution, Perugia proves to be an invaluable destination for anyone wishing to explore Italy and its roots.

The Rocca Paolina, with its mysterious underground passageways, and Piazza Italia, a bustling center of daily life, complete the picture of a city that, while jealously preserving its past, lives fully in the present. Perugia is a place where tradition and modernity meet, where art and history dialogue with contemporary life, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

The Maggiore Fountain: A Medieval Masterpiece in Perugia

The Major Fountain is not only a central landmark in the life of Perugia but also an extraordinary testament to medieval engineering and art. Located in the evocative Piazza IV Novembre, this fountain is the result of a collaboration between Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni, who combined form and function in a work that continues to amaze. Its reliefs tell stories of the Bible, the months of the year, and the liberal arts, making this fountain a stone book of humanity and divinity.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Perugia

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The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is not only the city’s main place of worship, but also a living museum that holds works of art and bears witness to faith through the centuries. In addition to the painting cycle by Pandolfi, the cathedral offers visitors the chance to admire stained glass windows, wooden sculptures and sacred textiles that narrate the richness of the Christian tradition in Umbria. The incomplete facade and its unusual positioning, with the main side facing the square, add a unique charm to this sacred building.

National Gallery of Umbria: Treasures of Art in Palazzo dei Priori

Housed in the majesticPalazzo dei Priori, the National Gallery of Umbria offers a complete immersion in Umbrian art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Each room is a chapter of history, where masterpieces by artists such as Perugino, Pinturicchio and Benozzo Gozzoli tell the story of the region’s artistic evolution. The extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles and sacred art objects, making the gallery an indispensable reference point for art lovers.

The Rocca Paolina: Echoes of History and Power

The Rocca Paolina is much more than a symbol of papal power; it is a palimpsest of urban history. Built by order of Pope Paul III to consolidate the Church’s control over Perugia, this fortress incorporates parts of the city below, transformed into underground passages that today offer a fascinating journey through time. A visit to the Rocca is an almost surreal experience, where Perugia’s past and present meet.

Piazza Italia: The Living Room of Perugia

Piazza Italia represents the modern civic heart of Perugia, an ideal starting point for exploring the city. This spacious square is surrounded by historic buildings that house government offices and elegant cafes, offering spectacular views of the Umbrian hills. It is the place where Perugia’s contemporary life is intertwined with its history, inviting residents and tourists alike to enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Palazzo dei Priori: Political and Artistic Heart of Perugia

The Palazzo dei Priori is not only a historic building of Perugia, but a living symbol of its cultural and political identity. This imposing building, which dominates the urban fabric with its majestic presence, holds within it centuries of history. In addition to being the home of the National Gallery of Umbria, it houses the ancient guilds of the Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia and the Nobile Collegio del Cambio, both rich in art and history. Its halls, adorned with Renaissance frescoes and medieval decorations, tell stories of power, art, and diplomacy that have shaped the city over the centuries. A visit to the Palazzo dei Priori offers a fascinating journey through time, where each room, each corridor, reveals a piece of Perugia‘s complex historical texture.

Etruscan Arch: Portal to the Past

The Etruscan Arch, also known as the Arch of Augustus, is one of Perugia‘s most significant monuments and a testament to its Etruscan founding. This ancient gate, which opens onto the city’s Etruscan walls, is an outstanding example of engineering and architecture of the past. Its massive structure and Latin inscriptions tell us of a time when Perugia was an important Etruscan center, connected to the main communication routes of ancient Italy. Walking under the Etruscan Arch is like stepping through a portal in time, an experience that allows you to connect with the city’s thousand-year history.

Etruscan Well: An Engineering Marvel

The Etruscan Well of Perugia represents one of the most advanced engineering achievements of antiquity, a testament to the profound hydraulic knowledge of the Etruscans. This well, which digs down into the bowels of the earth to underground water sources, was essential to the survival of the city in times when access to potable water was not a given. A visit to the Etruscan Well offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the construction and water management techniques of the ancient Etruscans, demonstrating how their civilization was at the forefront of engineering and urban planning.

Martial Gate: A Window on Etruria

Porta Marzia, with its imposing structures and sculptural decorations, is another valuable legacy of Perugia’s Etruscan past. Embedded today in the structure of the Rocca Paolina, this gate tells us of a time when Perugia was an Etruscan stronghold, proud of its independence and culture. Theories about the name “Marzia” reflect the historical and cultural depth of the site, linking it to both the cult of Marte, god of war, and the ancient martial games that took place in its vicinity. A visit to Porta Marzia is a journey of discovery of the oldest roots of Perugia, an opportunity to reflect on the historical continuity that links the city to its glorious Etruscan and Roman past.

Nobile Collegio del Cambio: A Hidden Treasure

TheNoble Collegio del Cambio, located inside the Palazzo dei Priori, is one of the hidden jewels of Perugia. This former guild of money changers, with its rooms magnificently frescoed by Perugino, represents an extraordinary example of Renaissance art. The frescoes, illustrating themes of justice, prudence, and virtue, not only decorate the rooms but convey the values and ideals of Perugian society of the time. To visit it is to immerse oneself in an atmosphere where art, history and philosophy come together, offering insights into civic life and the role of individuals in the community. The Nobile Collegio del Cambio is an eloquent testimony to the link between economic power and culture, showing how the Perugian moneychangers wanted to leave an indelible mark of their passage and importance in the city’s history.

Poggio del Drago: Your Gateway to Perugia

Choosing to stay at the B&B Poggio del Drago means not only enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the Umbrian countryside, but also having an ideal starting point for exploring Perugia and its wonders. Every visit, every walk becomes an opportunity to discover new details, new stories, enriching the experience of the trip with emotions and knowledge that will remain etched in the memory.

We invite you to discover Perugia and be enchanted by its top 10 wonders, but also to look further, because every corner of this city hides secrets and treasures ready to be discovered. With Poggio del Drago as your base, you are ready to experience a unique adventure, immersed in the history, art and culture of one of Umbria’s most fascinating cities.