Perugia dominates the Tiber Valley from a high, irregular and rough hill: the
particular feature of the land has generated a wide variety of urbanistic situations, giving the town a very special
aspect.
The rich artistic and cultural patrimony and the natural environment make Perugia an unique city of major importance
from the beginning of its history.
Perugia lies on a hill inhabited ever since the prehistoric times; it was first a settlement of the Umbrians, then
it passed under the rule of the Etruscans, becoming one of the most important cities in the High Tiber Valley.
Conquered by the Romans they gave it the name of "Augusta". After the fall of the Roman Empire Perugia
belonged to the Byzantine dominions, and finally it became a powerful independent city-state allied to the Papal
State. The 14th century was characterized by violent struggles between Nobles (Beccherini) and Populars (Raspanti)
and by the war against the Pope who wanted the Umbrian cities to be under his rule, Perugia was finally forced
to recognize the its authority in 1370. In 1540 Perugia was placed under the direct control of the Papal State
and pope Paolo III ordered to Antonio da Sangallo the erection of the Rocca Paolina, symbol of the papal power
over the city.
The papal rule continued, brief breaks excepted during the French occupation and the Roman Republic until the formation
of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Perugia today is a modern and cosmopolitan city known all over the world because of its cultural events and the
University for Foreigners.
Proud of its historical traditions and the beautiful buildings of the past, Perugia let itself be admired in its
thousand picturesque corners where present and past integrate one another and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Perugia to see
Piazza IV Novembre, one of the most beautiful
squares in Italy; the ancient gates Porta Marzia, Porta Sole, Porta Cornea, Porta Trasimena, Porta
della Mandorla and the Arco Etrusco.
In the centre of IV November Square stand the Fontana Maggiore, erected in the second half of the 12th century; the
Palazzo dei Priori, in the Middle Ages the residence
of the principal political authorities of the city, it houses the National Gallery
of Umbria. The other side of the square is occupied by the St
Lorenzo Cathedral; the Loggia di Braccio, erected in 1423.
The Rocca Paolina
fortress, the Church of San Filippo Neri, the
most important and the only authentic Baroque building in town and the Ipogeo dei
Volumni reachable by car.
Usefull information
· Among the most important events which take place in the city they worth absolutely to be mentioned
the musical festival Umbria Jazz and the gastronomic
festival Eurochoccolate
· Umbria is also famous for its Typical products: one of Umbria's most prized winter specialties is
the truffle, hidden away in the truffle oak forests growing in the region, it can only be gathered with the aid
of a specially trained pig or dog. Many fine food shops offer truffles for sale... at a price! That’s way it is
called “the black diamond”.
Umbrian flavours: olives grow in a specific
environment where, helped by the skills of the local inhabitants and the weather, they produce the region's famed
high quality extra virgin olive oil.
The different high-quality organic cultivations are differentiated according to soil, the taste of the oil and
the methods adopted. All these factors represent a guarantee, which is expressed by D.O.P label: Umbria appellation
contrôlée.
0Prized vines growing in hundreds of rows are one of the most common features
of the hills in the province of Perugia, where the evolution of cultivation methods has led to the production of
excellent wines. The appellation D.O.C.G., D.O.C. or I.G.T. is a reward for the very high quality achieved.
