What to see in Perugia: the capital of Umbria

Perugia is the capital of Umbria and one of Italy's oldest university cities, with over 30,000 students. The medieval historic centre, perched on a hill at 493 metres, preserves Etruscan walls, Gothic churches, Renaissance piazzas and labyrinthine alleyways descending towards the plain. It is about 30 km from Agriturismo Il Barco.

Corso Vannucci and Piazza IV Novembre

Perugia's living room is Corso Vannucci, the long pedestrian avenue leading to the magnificent Piazza IV Novembre. At the centre of the square stands the Fontana Maggiore (1278), a Gothic masterpiece by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, decorated with bas-reliefs illustrating the medieval calendar, the liberal arts and biblical scenes.

The National Gallery of Umbria

Inside the Palazzo dei Priori — one of the largest medieval civic palaces in Italy — the National Gallery of Umbria gathers the best of Umbrian painting from the 13th to the 18th century. Perugino, Pinturicchio, Duccio di Buoninsegna: an essential visit for art lovers.

The Rocca Paolina and the Etruscan walls

Beneath the modern city lies the Rocca Paolina, a 16th-century fortress built by Pope Paul III over an entire medieval quarter. It is visited via underground escalators. The Etruscan walls from the 3rd century BC are still visible at various points in the centre.

Eurochocolate and Umbria Jazz

Perugia hosts two internationally acclaimed events: Eurochocolate every October (Europe's largest chocolate festival) and Umbria Jazz every July, one of the world's most famous jazz festivals, with concerts in piazzas, cloisters and theatres throughout the city.

Where to stay near Perugia

Agriturismo Il Barco is 30 minutes' drive from Perugia, in the tranquil countryside between Spello and Foligno. An excellent base for exploring the regional capital without sacrificing the silence and pool of the Umbrian countryside.