Perugia Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Perugia, located in the Umbria region of Italy, is a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and natural beauty. Nestled on a hilltop, this enchanting destination offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal place for those seeking a tranquil escape.
With its rich medieval heritage, Perugia boasts a captivating old town that is sure to transport visitors back in time. Strolling through its narrow, winding streets, you will encounter stunning architectural gems, such as the striking Palazzo dei Priori. This grand Gothic palace, dating back to the 13th century, now houses the National Gallery of Umbria, where you can admire a vast collection of Italian masterpieces.
For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria is a must. This prestigious museum showcases an impressive array of artworks spanning from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. From mesmerizing frescoes to delicate sculptures, the museum provides a fascinating journey through the region's artistic legacy.
Perugia is also famous for its annual chocolate festival, attracting chocoholics from all over the world. During this indulgent event, the city comes alive with vibrant displays of chocolate sculptures, tastings, and workshops. It is a true paradise for chocolate lovers, offering a unique experience that tantalizes the senses.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the lush greenery that surrounds Perugia. The nearby Lake Trasimeno, Italy's fourth-largest lake, provides a serene retreat for those seeking relaxation. Visitors can explore the lake's picturesque islands, enjoy water sports, or simply bask in the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
To savor the flavors of Umbria, head to one of Perugia's charming trattorias or osterias. Indulge in traditional dishes like the hearty wild boar stew or the delicate truffle-infused pasta. Pair your meal with a glass of the region's renowned Sagrantino wine, and you will understand why Umbria is often referred to as the "Green Heart of Italy."
Perugia Attractions - What to See and Explore
Perugia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Palazzo dei Priori, Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, Fontana Maggiore, Stadio Renato Curi. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Perugia by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Perugia.
Culture
Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria
PerugiaLocal artworks in medieval palace
Gothic architecture Museum 
Teatro Morlacchi
PerugiaConcerts and shows Theater 
Cinema Teatro Pavone
PerugiaConcerts and shows Performing arts Cinema
Museum
Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria
PerugiaLocal artworks in medieval palace
Gothic architecture Museum 
Pozzo Etrusco
PerugiaMuseum History museum Specialty museum 
Collegio del Cambio
PerugiaGothic architecture Museum Art museum 
Arco Etrusco
PerugiaRuins Historical place Museum 
Ipogeo dei Volumni
PerugiaMuseum Archaeological site History museum
Church
San Michele Arcangelo
PerugiaChurch Romanesque architecture 
San Prospero
PerugiaChurch 
Perugia Cathedral
PerugiaGothic cathedral with adjacent museum
Gothic architecture Church 
San Pietro Church
PerugiaOrnate 10th-century Benedictine abbey
Gothic architecture Church 
Church of the Compagnia della morte
PerugiaChurch
Historical place
San Pietro Church
PerugiaOrnate 10th-century Benedictine abbey
Gothic architecture Church Arco Etrusco
PerugiaRuins Historical place Museum 
Porta Marzia
PerugiaHistorical place City gate 
Chiesa di San Severo
PerugiaMuseum Historical place Sacred and religious sites
City gate
Porta Marzia
PerugiaHistorical place City gate 
Porta Trasimena
PerugiaCity gate 
Porta Eburnea
PerugiaCity gate 
Arco dei Gigli
PerugiaCity gate
Other categories
Art museumPerugia – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Perugia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Treasure Museum of the basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi (Assisi), Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (Assisi), Assisi Cathedral (Assisi).
Best Time To Visit Perugia
Learn when is the best time to travel to Perugia weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience Perugia
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Pizza
Pizza, a cherished Italian delicacy, consists of a round, flattened dough base topped with tomatoes, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients. Traditionally, it's baked at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven. The term "pizza" was first documented in Italy in the...
Dish
Pasta
Pasta, a cherished dish originating from Italy, is primarily made from grain flour—usually wheat—combined with water or eggs. It comes in a multitude of shapes and can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, baking, or frying.
Food
Ravioli
Ravioli are a delectable type of pasta that feature a savory filling encased in thin pasta dough. Originating from Italian cuisine, these delightful pockets are typically served in broth or with a rich sauce. They come in various shapes such as square, circular, or...
Pasta
Ricotta
Ricotta is a delightful Italian cheese crafted from the whey of sheep, cow, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk left over from the cheese-making process. To produce ricotta, the remaining proteins in the whey are coagulated by acidifying and heating it.
Cheese
Antipasto
Antipasto is a traditional way to commence a formal Italian meal. This delightful platter typically showcases an assortment of cured meats, olives, peperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, cheeses, and pickled vegetables.
First course
Art works & crafts
ArtFamous works of special cultural and artistic value related to this location.
Polyptych of Perugia
The Polyptych of Perugia is an exquisite assembly of paintings by the renowned Italian Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca, created around 1470. This masterpiece is housed in the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria in Perugia, Italy.
Painting by Piero della Francesca
Perugia Altarpiece
The Perugia Altarpiece is a magnificent work by Fra Angelico, an early Renaissance painter from Italy. This masterpiece is housed in the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria in Perugia, Italy. Originally created for the St. Nicholas Chapel in the Basilica of San Domenico in...
Painting by Fra Angelico
Adoration of the Magi
If you find yourself in Perugia, Italy, make sure to visit the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria to admire Pietro Perugino's stunning painting, "Adoration of the Magi." This masterpiece, believed to be one of Perugino's early works, dates back to the late 15th century.
Painting by Pietro Perugino
Tezi Altarpiece
The Tezi Altarpiece, a renowned masterpiece by the Italian Renaissance artist Pietro Perugino, is displayed at the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria in Perugia, Italy. Originally, this exquisite altarpiece was complemented by a predella panel depicting the Last Supper...
Painting by Pietro Perugino
Sant'Onofrio Altarpiece
The Sant'Onofrio Altarpiece is a stunning painting by Luca Signorelli, a renowned Italian Renaissance artist. This masterpiece is housed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, located in the Cathedral of Perugia, Italy. The painting was commissioned in 1484 by Bishop...
Painting by Luca Signorelli
Umbria