Things to See in Perugia: The 15 Best Attractions and Activities

Perugia is an unjustly underrated city. Famous in Italy, and beyond, for Eurochocolate, the chocolate festival that attracts thousands of visitors to the historic center every October, it is often overshadowed by the nearby Assisi, a favorite destination for religious tourism. However, the Umbrian capital hides remarkable artistic and architectural works, along with a highly impactful history. Strolling through the historic center of Perugia is definitely the best way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the place, admiring churches and buildings that have managed to survive centuries of history and have integrated into the city's expansion.

So let's discover together what the must-see attractions in Perugia are, the best places to visit, and things to do for making the most of the Umbrian capital!

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The historic center of Perugia is undoubtedly the place with the most tourist attractions in the city. The main point of Perugia's center is Piazza IV Novembre, where the city cathedral, the Palazzo dei Priori, and the Fontana Maggiore are located, and from which Corso Vannucci starts, connecting it to Piazza Italia and the Giardini Carducci.

In the square, you'll find the Fontana Maggiore, one of the most famous fountains in Italy. Its distinctive circular shape has become somewhat of a symbol of the city, so much so that Piazza IV Novembre is nicknamed "Piazza della Fontana". It was built around 1275 based on designs by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano to channel the waters coming from the Acquedotto del Monte Pacciano, which it never managed to do well: the aqueduct was unable to push the water enough to make the fountain work despite various tricks put in place. With the advent of modern hydraulic pumps, the fountain is now operational.

It represents the heart of the city, a rise and fall of streets and steps. It can be accessed from various doors, reachable via city elevators: Stz.S.Anna Entrance 1 to the south and V.Priori Mobile Stairs 1 to the east. The historic center is almost completely pedestrianized - Get directions

Visit duration: 30 min

Typical lunch break at Osteria a Priori: during your visits to the city, we recommend stopping for lunch at one of the most famous local spots, Osteria a Priori. It is a cozy place that offers traditional dishes with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for traveling through the flavors of Umbria.

Inside Palazzo dei Priori, you will find, along with the Council and Municipal Assembly, the National Gallery of Umbria which, since 1878, is one of the most important museums in the entire region. It houses works ranging from the 13th to the 19th century, organized chronologically. Among the works contained here: Florentine politicians, Renaissance pieces, jewels, monographic collections, fabrics, along with masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, Beato Angelico, Pinturicchio, Perugino, and Duccio di Buoninsegna.

Right in front of the Fontana Maggiore, Palazzo dei Priori displays the Sala Dei Notari, accessible via a historic staircase: this is where civil weddings and public prayers take place. It's no coincidence that the space chosen for the civic life of the city has its entrance directly opposite that of the Cathedral.

Look up as you pass through the entrance: above the main portal are the bronze statues of the Perugino Griffin and the Guelph Lion, but these are copies; the originals, dating from 1271 to 1281, are in fact preserved inside, in the palace atrium.

The Capitular Museum of San Lorenzo is located in the former residences of the Canons of the Cathedral and consists of 25 rooms where works from the Cathedral and other Churches in the Perugian diocese are housed. In addition to the treasures of the Chapter, visitors can explore the archaeological area of the Cathedral which allows you to see the various layers of different eras on the acropolis and learn about the city's history from the Etruscan period to the present day.

The excavations are continuously evolving and today allow you to see the terraced Etruscan walls, the foundations of a contemporary temple, a rich Roman domus, and an Etrusco-Roman road. The staff is available to fully explain the history that has seen Perugia change over the centuries, unsettling its balances to become the city it is today.

Behind Fontana Maggiore stands the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Its facade from 1792 is made in Baroque style and faces Piazza Danti, which makes the church appear turned sideways to tourists. The interior of the cathedral, clearly late Gothic in style, consists of three naves divided by pillars. Among the decorations completed in the 18th century are the Deposition by Federico Barocci, the polychrome stained glass from the 16th century by Arrigo Fiammingo, and the Funeral Monument for Bishop Andrea Baglioni, created by Urbano da Cortona. In addition to the interior of San Lorenzo, you cannot miss the Cloister, which houses the extremely valuable Capitular Museum.

The cathedral steps are a gathering place for university students: here in the evenings, students gather to enjoy a beer outdoors and socialize with friends, making the Duomo stairs a real reference point for the whole city along with the adjacent Logge di Braccio.

The Etruscan Well is one of the most extraordinary hydraulic works of Perugia and beyond. Dating back to around 300 B.C., it is a depth of 37 meters with a diameter of 5 meters. This colossal underground construction was once a reservoir where the waters of three aquifer veins in the city converged. Today, the well has become one of the city's tourist attractions and is located beneath Palazzo Sorbello, an ancient palace dating back to the 17th century.

Visitors can explore the well via a staircase that reaches its deepest point, to admire this majestic engineering feat. From the outside, the Etruscan well is indeed a well, located on the edge of an outdoor parking lot. To access the well, you pass through a charming covered alley.

Consider the visit wisely: while it is an extremely fascinating attraction, it is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia or do not enjoy going underground!

The Church of San Michele Archangel, primarily known as Temple of Sant'Angelo, is one of the earliest paleochristian churches in Italy. It is a circular structure with Gothic additions, fronted by a garden where you can easily find students deep in their books. The interior consists of two concentric tiers, separated by sixteen Roman columns with Corinthian capitals and four chapels arranged in a Greek cross. Light enters from 12 windows above the drum. Entering the church, which is much sought after for weddings, you can feel a mystical and welcoming atmosphere, perhaps due to the absence of extravagant furnishings.

Next to the church stands the Cassero di Porta Sant'Angelo, the largest of the city's medieval gates. From the top of the cassero, which now houses a museum of musical instruments, you can enjoy a remarkable panorama.

Note the climb: the climb to the temple is a bit challenging. Wear comfortable shoes and if you visit in summer, don't forget a bottle of water. Alternatively, you can arrive by bus; the nearest stop is 350 meters away.

Commissioned by the Franciscans in honor of Saint Bernardino of Siena, the Oratory of San Bernardino is a splendid example of Agostino di Duccio's skills. A double portal allows visitors to enter the Gothic-style oratory. Inside, there is an altar made from a paleochristian sarcophagus from the 4th century, which contains the relics of the blessed Egidio, a companion of Saint Francis.

The oratory is located in San Francesco Al Prato, where the former Church of San Francesco now serves as an auditorium, and where the Academy of Fine Arts is situated. During the music festival "Umbria Jazz", the lawn becomes a gathering spot at night for those wanting to continue their celebrations, enjoying good music and good beer.

The Torre degli Sciri is the only surviving tower of hundreds that characterized the city's skyline during the medieval period. Indeed, during medieval times, all cities were characterized by noble towers connected by aerial walkways that allowed nobles to move without having to walk through the dirty streets.

Built around the end of the 13th century and standing about 42 meters tall, the tower shows all four sides exposed. Inside, it is divided by wooden walkways connected by ladders and metal stairs clinging to the walls. Thanks to its complete and recent restoration, the summit of the tower can be reached by a series of 232 steps to enjoy a unique view of the city. During the nights, the tower is clearly visible thanks to its lighting, which changes from blue to green and red depending on the occasion.

The most beautiful view of Perugia: from the top of the tower, you can enjoy a unique panorama over the roofs of the historic center! We recommend visiting the tower as soon as you arrive in Perugia to check the timings and plan a visit on one of the days you are there.

Dedicated to the city's patron saint, who was martyred in 548 A.D. and different from the patron of the city, the Church of Sant'Ercolano rises against the Etruscan walls and at the foot of its namesake staircase. It is an octagonal tower, originally two-story and decorated in Baroque style, featuring a double staircase entrance. The altar of the church is actually a sarcophagus that contains the remains of the saint, who was once the bishop of the city and tried to protect it during the Greco-Gothic war.

In Perugia, it is considered the secular church of the city, highlighting the difficult relationship that the Perugians have always had with the papacy, whose church is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (but beware: this is not even the Patron Saint).

One of the most beautiful corners to photograph: its wonderful double staircase at the entrance, with its decorated cornice and large central portal, makes it one of the most beautiful glimpses of Perugia! So don't forget to take a souvenir photo right in front!

Commissioned by Pope Paul III, the Rocca Paolina was meant to be a safe refuge for his visits to the city, where he was not very well-liked. It is worth noting that, after the War of Salt, Rocca Paolina had its defensive cannons aimed at Borgo XX Giugno, thus toward the population living within the city walls, not at potential invaders. Over a hundred homes, monasteries, and churches, many belonging to the Baglioni family, who were much hated by the Pope, were destroyed for the construction.

Currently, Rocca Paolina no longer exists; in its place stands the Palazzo della Provincia, but its underground passages are open for visits and are characterized as a monument in progress: as excavations progress, new passages and rooms are uncovered, hosting temporary and permanent exhibitions. One of these displays video projections of the city's creation, panels, and models that reconstruct the urban and architectural structure over the centuries.

Take the Rocca steps: the escalators at the Rocca traverse the underground offering a truly unique and free spectacle! The escalators are active from early morning until late at night, so you can enjoy the magic of this place at different times of the day!

It's hard not to see the Basilica of San Domenico: its imposing structure is visible from every side of the city thanks to its majestic bell tower. Built in a recognizable Gothic style, the basilica has been renovated several times over the years, and its treasures have been looted. Nevertheless, it remains a place of fundamental importance to the city, which still preserves exquisite frescoes, stained glass, and funerary monuments, such as that of Pope Benedict XI.

Located at the center of Borgo Bello, in front of the church, there is a newly renovated fountain. Access to the main church portal is via a very romantic staircase, making it a favorite choice for couples.

Located at the end of Borgo XX Giugno, the Benedictine complex of San Pietro, or simply Abbey of San Pietro, encompasses the ancient cathedral of the city and is built in a sacred Etrusco-Roman area. The basilica has three naves and still features 14th-century frescoes on the facade, with interiors of columns topped with Ionic capitals and many works by illustrious artists. The crypt, sheltered below the apse, is also open to visitors.

The complex is owned by the Foundation for Agricultural Education and features three cloisters leading to the medieval garden, the botanical garden, the Treasury Gallery, and the library and archive that preserves ancient valuable manuals. The medieval garden, with the Merlin Tree, is certainly a little-known point of interest but one of definite charm for both young and old. The monumental complex also hosts exhibitions and periodic conferences.

Visit the Gardens of the Frontone: on the other side of the small road, you'll find these gardens which arose on what was once a necropolis and then a defensive fortress. They housed the poets of the "Augustan Arcadian Colony" and are perfect for relaxing a bit in spring.

The Minor Basilica of San Costanzo is dedicated to the Patron Saint of the city and is located outside the walls of Porta Romana, near the Gardens of the Frontone and San Pietro, as well as at the entrance to the university botanical garden.

The church was already present at the beginning of the 13th century, but it was only in 1781 that the saint's remains were found beneath the high altar. The structure has suffered numerous modifications over the centuries, however, the original structures of the apse are still identifiable, with sculptures on the portal, two marble doorposts decorated with vine tendrils and fantastic animals, and a depiction of Christ blessing on the architrave with symbols of the evangelists on the sides. The church's location near a dormitory and a student cafeteria allows it to fill with young people during celebrations.

The Hypogeum of the Volumni is the oldest Etruscan funerary monument in Perugia. Dating back to the 3rd century B.C., the hypogeum is part of the Necropolis of the "Palazzone", consisting of more than 200 tombs. Inside, constructed to accommodate the remains of the Volumni family, you will see the structure comprising an atrium and no fewer than seven rooms that enclose funerary urns of travertine, terracotta, marble, and sandstone from the Necropolis.

A steep corridor leads to the burial chamber of Arunte and Lars Volumni. The tomb reproduces the layout of a classic Roman house, with the main room at the center. The urns containing the funerary remains were decorated with a portrait of the deceased.

Plan your visit: the Hypogeum is located away from the city, the best option is to reach it by car, or alternatively find a bus. However, it is a visit that may not be suitable for all: if you do not like going underground or being in tight, dark spaces, we recommend not visiting!

If you are a chocolate lover, Perugia is the right city for you. In the peripheral neighborhood of San Sisto, within the Nestlé production facility, is the Casa Del Cioccolato Perugina. The visit will allow you to discover not only the Perugina museum but also the current factory where some of the world's most famous chocolates are produced.

During your visit, you will see historical wrappers and images of the chocolate factory that has changed locations over the years without leaving the city. Thanks to the Buitoni-Perugina photographic archive, the entire history of the famous Bacio is highlighted, a treat rich in passion. Additionally, you can enjoy a tasting and the gift shop with special prices. You may also choose to book a chocolate-making course to take after your visit.

Taste the chocolate from the "competition": In the 1990s, after Perugina was acquired by Nestlé, four former employees founded the Vannucci company to recover and enhance the chocolate-making tradition of Perugia. Today, Vannucci's artisanal products are sold in various shops in the center, and many locals swear that the "original bacio" is the one produced by Vannucci.

These places highlighted so far are the must-sees for discovering Perugia, but if you have more time, there are more things to do and see to enjoy the city! Among the most beautiful attractions are certainly the Nobile Collegio del Cambio and the Nobile collegio della Mercanzia, famous both for their architecture and the treasures they hold.

For those with a certain dose of adrenaline and who are not afraid of enclosed spaces, we recommend discovering underground Perugia: this is obviously a guided tour, organized only during certain periods and with knowledgeable guides (usually in the morning). Meanwhile, strolling outdoors, you cannot miss the many entrance gates of the city: Arco di Sant'Ercolano, Porta Marzia, Arco della Mandorla, Etruscan Arch, Porta Crucia or Porta Sole near the medieval aqueduct of Perugia.

Don't forget the museums: starting with the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, featuring exhibits from prehistory to Roman times; the scientific museum POST with exhibits for families; and finally the Civic Museum of Palazzo della Penna, with collections of contemporary art and from the 1800s. Lastly, if you want to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the historic center, consider a guided tour of Palazzo Gallenga with a climb to the terrace (the visit occurs only in the morning for groups of at least 4-5 people).

Perugia can be reached by car or train from Florence and Rome, and obviously also has an international airport.

Staying in the historic center is easy and convenient thanks to the many available accommodations (accommodations from €45.00 per night). The best way to visit the city is by walking around the center. If you arrive by car, you can leave it at the free parking lot of Pian di Massiano and take the mini-metro to the center. The nightlife areas are Via dei Priori, the area around the Etruscan Well, Corso Vannucci, and Piazza Matteotti, and finally Pian di Massiano.

Families traveling with children will easily find recreational and fun areas for them: every neighborhood has an equipped urban park. The largest is definitely the "Percorso Verde Leonardo Cenci" in Pian di Massiano, where you will find, along with two different play areas, a skating rink, a velodrome, various sports fields, open fields for free running, and refreshment points. Finally, if you are traveling on a budget, the destination is not excessively costly with many attractions being free. Our advice is to book accommodation as soon as possible to find good deals.