Perugia

Inside Etruscan city

Perugia

We always drive into Perugia.  It takes 45 mins to get in and 20 mins to get out!  In other words we get lost going in, even after 30 years!  As with all big cities there are lots of different exits of the autostrada, Cavallo,  Madonna alta etc.  we need to take different exits depending on the reason for the visit and so forget which one is which!  To confuse us further they seem to change the one-way system from year to year and also where one can park!  The answer is, DON’T drive in – take the bus or the train!  it’s actually much more fun arriving at the train or bus station because then one rides on the funivia – a system of escalators – through the bowels of the earth into the ancient Etruscan city which is fascinating!

Entrance to the Etruscan city and the escalators

I love Perugia.  It is so alive and ‘21^st century’  whilst nurturing so much history and culture.  It sits on top of a hill, 500 metres high with extensions which actually for the shape of a star and the views are breath-taking.  

It deserves a few days to explore as there are so many interiors and exteriors to view in addition to a lovely walk around the walls.  Beware though!  Don’t expect the warmth and service in the bars or shops that one usually receives in the smaller towns and villages!  Also, you will be charged double for sitting down with a drink and coffee in the main street pavement cafes could cost you 3 euros instead of one! 

Deruta potter on the steps near the fountain - very good prices!

Perugia, as well as being the cultural and educational capital of Umbria, is also the home of the famous ‘Perugian’ chocolate and evidence of this can be seen in virtually every shop and bar window! 

There is also an annual chocolate festival when the town sinks in chocolate – chocolate to eat, chocolate to drink, chocolate to model, even an art gallery full of exhibits made from chocolate!

The Piazza Quattro Novembre – The Fontana Maggiore

This piazza was my Dad’s favourite and he left an unfinished painting of it.  The square is so very elegant and surrounded by beautiful buildings.  In the centre is this lovely 13C fountain.  The statues around it represent the signs of the zodiac and there are 24 saints and biblical figures.

Close to the fountain is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a vision in pink marble dating to the 15C. 

On the opposite side of the piazza stands the magnificent Palazzo dei Priori which houses the impressive Sala dei Notary, the library and national Gallery. 

There is also the Rocca Paolina in which there are re-enactments of the ‘Salt wars’ every weekend in July and August.