Perugia

Perugia is a city in the Italian region of Umbria. It has an important university that attracts many foreign students, is a major center of medieval art, has a stunningly beautiful central area and is home of the Umbria Jazz Festival. The city is a major producer of Chocolates.

Perugia panoramic - 455px|The Piazza IV novembre and the central piazza of Perugia, with the Fontana Maggiore in the middle

Travel to Perugia

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Perugia

The Airport in Rome is three hours away (see the By bus section for transportation) and Milan's Malpensa airport about 7 hours away. GPS 43.0954 ,12.5042 |zoom=15Perugia airport - IATA Flight Code: PEG . A small regional airport with connecting service to Milan and Flights from London and Barcelona on Ryanair. A little further away, Pisa and Bologna are served by low cost European airlines.

By Rail

The GPS 43.10399 ,12.37583 train station is in the valley, a few kilometers from the centro storico (historic center) of the city. You can take the Mini Metro railway, a local bus or a taxi from the station. From Rome to Perugia by train is only €10.50 if you take Treno Regionale, otherwise it's double.

Travel on a Bus in Perugia

Buses from Rome Fiumicino Airport depart from the lower level parking area at regular intervals (3 hours, 20 €). (NB: Many of the buses in the Tourist Bus Parking area are privately hired, and are not available to the general public. Some buses, such as the Sulga, may appear on the upper levels of Terminal C, but do not be concerned; they will arrive at the scheduled time in the lower level parking area. Be sure to check timetables online or elsewhere before arriving to be sure of departure times.)

By car

Perugia is just off the A1 autostrada that runs from Rome to Milan. Approximate travel durations are Rome 2.5 hours, Orvieto 1 hour, Milan 6 hours, Florence 1 hour. Perugia is also accessible from other parts of Italy by vehicle via the Autostrada.

Get Around

GPS 43.1109|12.3888 {{mapshape Minimetrò primopiano - Perugia's MiniMetro

Perugia is a large hill town. Most major attractions are at the top of the hill in the Centro Storico (historic center). It is almost imfeasible to access the Centro Storico by vehicle unless you have a confirmed hotel booking. Even outside the very centre you will drive very slowly over the many cobblestoned one-way streets and may very well end up driving around in circles several times as traffic signs are very confusing. You are best advised to do as little driving as feasible, and get around on foot. The main vehicle park for tourists is at Piazza Partigiani. From there you can take a series of escalators (hopefully most of them will be working!) up into the old town. There are lots of interesting things to see on the way up as the route was dug through the Rocca Paolina, a medieval fortress. More details about vehicle parks (in English) can be found on this website Small buses also go to the top. The train station is, inevitably, some distance from the hilly center, but buses are easily available.

In 2008 Perugia opened its MiniMetro. This is a small, driverless train that every two minutes or so takes you from a vehicle park (Pian di Massiano) near the football stadium or from the main station to the center of town; a single ticket is €2.90 as of May 2012. However, if you are planning a night on the town. note that these trains stop running at around 21.00.

Within the central area getting around on foot is best, although some of the hills can be a bit steep and you will need to be fit.

What to see in Perugia

Perugia rocca paolina - Underneath Perugia

Underground Perugia. The escalators from the lower town lead up through the remains of Rocca Paolina which was a 16th-century fortress. This was built on top of medieval streets, which were used as foundations, and before coming out into daylight at Piazza Italia you go through some of these medieval streets covered with brick ceilings when the fortress was built. Little now remains of the fortress itself.

Porta Marzia - Marzia Gate | 43.10825, 12.388833 - This is an Etruscan city gate built in the Third Century BC and much later incorporated into the city walls. It is close to the remains of the Paolina Fortress.

Fontana Maggiore 43.112139, 12.388833 - This large medieval fountain is found between the cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. It was made between 1277 and 1278 by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano as part of Perugia's celebrations of its independence. On the twenty-five sides of the basin are sculptures representing prophets and saints and the work of the seasons, signs of the zodiac, Bible scenes and events from Roman history.

Perugia Gothic Church - Cattedrale di San Lorenzo | 43.1125, 12.388889 - This has an unusual layout for Italian churches in that the side rather than the front entrance faces the main square. There have been many churches on the site: this one was last worked on around 1490. But finished it was not, as can be clearly seen from the unfinished façade facing the square. This side includes the Loggia di Braccio, an early Renaissance structure. Under it a section of Roman wall and the basement of the old bell tower can be seen. Also found here is the 1264 Pietra della Giustizia ("Justice Stone") with which Perugia announced that it had repaid its public debt, a not inconsiderable feat. Also interesting is the external pulpit from which Saint Bernardine of Siena, a virulently anti-homosexual priest, would preach.

Perugia 028 - |The Sala dei Notari in the Palazzo dei Priori

Palazzo dei Priori - Town Hall | 43.11158, 12.38844 Opposite the side of the cathedral, with its main entrance on Corso Vannucci - This is a large building in Italian Gothic style built in the early 1300s. On the side facing the piazza are a griffin and the emblem of Perugia, a 14th century bronze lion, and some chains, from where the keys of Siena were displayed after victory over the Sienese in 1358. Inside is the impressive meeting room and the Sala dei Notari. On the second floor is the Municipal Library. The building also houses the National Gallery of Umbria

Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria (National Gallery of Umbria) | in the Palazzo dei Priori on Corso Vannucci Opening Hours: 8.30-19.30 from Tuesdays to Sundays: closed Mondays, 1st January, 1st May, 25 December. 6.50 The collection consists of paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, including artists such as Perugino, Nicola e Giovanni Pisano, Beato Angelico, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Pintoricchio.

Etruscan Well - Pozzo Etrusco | Piazza Danti 18 43.112601, 12.389880 To the right, just past the front entrance of the cathedral Opening Hours: 11.00-13.30 / 14.30-17.00, longer in the summer months Damp and dark but an excellent way of appreciating the skills of Third Century BC Etruscan architects.

Just walking around. There is probably no city in the world that better rewards the casual explorer in the sheer variety of its streetscapes. You can stroll along a Roman aqueduct that connects two of the city's hills, passing doors on the third stories of homes to peer over the edge at the doors at street level below. You can walk along the Via delle Volta della Pace, which follows the Etruscan city wall, but is now wholly arched over by a Gothic portico. You can stumble along cobbled streets that have the unique combination of slopes interrupted by small steps that only Italians seem to master. The wide, traffic-free Corso Vannucci, named after the painter known as Il Perugino, is what really makes Perugia. You can loll with the students from the International University on the steps of the Gothic Church at one end or amble down the Corso from those steps to sit on a bench at the other end and look over Umbria's hills as the sun sets.

Perugia - Tomb of Pope Benedict XI in San Domenico.

San Domenico 43.106667, 12.391667 is on Corso Cavour, down the hill to the southeast of Corso Vannucci. It is a Gothic church whose three aisles were a model for the design of the later cathedral of San Lorenzo. San Domenico has faced many problems in the past. Soon after its completion and the upper section was found to be unstable and had to be demolished. In 1614 and 1615 other parts collapsed. The rebuilt church was consecrated in 1632.

San Pietro 43.101389, 12.395556

About 1km further along Corso Cavour after San Domenico, this church and abbey is well filled with fine works of art, including by Perugino. Interesting hexagonal bell tower. See too the medieval garden through the hall off the courtyard.

Academy of Fine Arts - Accademia di belle arti Pietro Vannucci - At the bottom of Via dei Priori in the former convent of San Francesco al Prato 43.11370, 12.38279 - A small but excellent collection of plaster casts of famous sculptures: the Dying Gaul, two of Michangelo’s Prisoners and the Laocoön and His Sons, and even the reconstructed façade of the Roman temple at Clitunno. The Pinacoteca is not overwhelming, with an interesting selection from the Academy's four centuries' old collection. €5, €3 reduced. Open Saturday 14:30-17, and Sunday 10:30-13 & 14:30-17.

Best things to do in Perugia

Umbria Jazz - The Umbrian Jazz festival takes place all over Umbria but is centred on Perugia, with a large number of concerts both free and with admission fee. Over the years the Festival has attracted just about every famous jazz player. The Festival takes place for a week and two weekends in the middle of July every year. During this period Perugia has a really beautiful atmosphere, with jazz concerts in the center of the city.

Eurochocolate - EuroChocolate - Perugia is home to the producers of Perugina and Baci Chocolates. It hosts a very popular annual Chocolates festival every October.

Music Fest Perugia - Over two weeks in August, MusicFestPerugia produces classical concerts in the historical and sumptuous surroundings of Sala dei Notari, Basilica di San Pietro and the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and the Caio Melisso. Performed by a combination of world famous professionals, and their most promising students, MusicFestPerugia aims to keep the classical repertoire vibrant and alive.

Let's cook in Umbria - Strada Comunale San Marino 25 Perugia ☎ +39 075 589 9951 Offers cooking classes, fruit cocktailry tours, gourmet tours, excursions to artisan Chocolates and Olive oil producers, truffle hunting and very popular cooking vacation programs that include accommodation and excursions to remote villages throughout Umbria and Tuscany.

Talk Donca with local people. Dialect in Perugia can be very funny to hear and to try to replicate. To have a better explanation use this site: Wikidonca]

Halal Restaurants in Perugia

Raffaello, affresco della cappella san severo 2 - Fresco by Perugino and his student, Rafaello Sanzio (Raphael) of the Trinity and Six Saints, San Severo Chapel

For most Muslim visitors and the center, or downtown, of Perugia will be the most rewarding place to eat either lunch or dinner. The main street 'walk' begins at the Piazza Duomo at the Fontana Maggiore and ends with a dramatic view that showcases the city's churches and the Umbrian countryside. There are many dining options along this street. The last hotel on the right hand side (|type=eat GPS 43.10840 ,12.38741* Hotel Brufani = Web: ) before reaching the viewpoint offers five star accommodation and regional dishes, specializing in legumes and fantastic Olive oils. At the other end of Corso Vannucci, just to the right of the cathedral, is a charming pizzeria, La Mediterranea.

Located on the historic Via Volte della Pace lies La Botte pizzeria. La Botte operates from 12-3 and 7-11 and offers a variety of local Pizzas for in restaurant dining or take-out. At 3.50 Euro for a take-out Pizzas, La Botte offers one of the best deals in town for those on a budget.

You definitely have to go by Dal mi Cocco, a traditional Perugian restaurant.

For dessert and the gelato at {{Marker|type=eat GPS 43.10992 ,12.38818 Gambrinus = Web: , on Via Bonazzi 3, just off the opposite side of the Piazza is delicious with a great many flavours. Or continue down the road past the pizza shop, and down the winding street. When you come to the end, turn left and walk down the road through the historic apartments until you see the ducal palace which is now the Universita' dei Stranieri di Perugia. On the right side of the street is a delightful Chocolates shop which serves freshly made Chocolates as well as an assortment of gelato—the Chocolates flavours are fantastic.

Pizzeria La Mediterranea Piazza Piccinino, 11 43.112613, 12.390169 - It is comprised of two rooms and the first with a brick oven and a buffet where an expert pizzaiolo slides freshly topped Pizzas onto the stone hearth. This restaurant is always crowded, and only open from 1-4 and 7-11. Arrive either right at opening or after the traditional Italian dinner hours if you don't want to wait outside. The prices range from 5-10 euro per Pizzas. The Pizzas are also available for take-out without a cover charge. Step inside the door and give your order to one of the white-aproned gentlemen who will take your money and deliver you your pizza (wait outside while it's being cooked).

Osteria Il Gufo - via della Viola 18 43.112079, 12.392315 Opening Hours: 8pm-1am, closed Sundays, Mondays A very good osteria with good green salads and decent prices. The homemade Limoncello is a nice touch.

Settimo Sigillo - Via Ulisse Rocchi 1 43.1128612, 12.3891148 ☎ +39 075 572 4306 An excellent trattoria/ristorante with great prices that serves wonderful local cuisine, good soft drinks and deserts, and has very friendly staff.

Dal mi Cocco Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 12 43.1153522, 12.3893654 ☎ +39 075 573 2511 - A fixed menu for 13 euro and a bottle of good for 5. Make sure to make a reservation though (+39 0755732511). Open from 20.30, so real Italian dinner times. All the food is made fresh, a visit to Perugia is completed by eating here. Also perfect for groups.

Merlin Pub Via del Forno 43.1116005, 12.3891051 - Good place to drink, good mix of local residents and students alike. Good offers on soft drinks, remember if you get a leaflet, make sure the barman sees it, otherwise you will get charged full whack. Look out for Pisco and the owner, who will love to give you a free welcome shot.

Punta di Vista Viale Indipendenza 43.1081927, 12.3887269Just off the Piazza Italia open air bar which is open in the summer. Nice cocktails and (like the name says) a beautiful view.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Perugia

Perugia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Perugia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Perugia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Perugia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Perugia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Perugia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPerugia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Perugia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Perugia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Perugia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Perugia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Perugia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Perugia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Perugia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Perugia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Perugia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Perugia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Perugia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Perugia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Perugia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Perugia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Perugia Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Perugia Arco Etrusco - Etruscan Gate (Arco Etrusco)

Castello dell Oscano - Strada della Forcella, 37. The Castello dell'Oscano is situated in the outskirts of Perugia, Locality Cenerente. Other major locations in the vicinity are: Perugia airport (20 km), Assisi (25 km), Gubbio (40 km).
Borgo Monticelli 14 km from the centre of Perugia, it is a tiny hamlet dated back to 1100 with 18 apartments all recently renovated. Riding centre and golf courses nearby. Parking by the house. For shared use: garden and swimming pool. There are also agritourism hotels just out of town, which are easily accessed by car. There may also be free buses to certain hotels, depending on where you wish to stay.

Alla Posta dei Donini - Via Deruta 43 - 06132. An historical residence in San Martino in Campo, near Perugia in the direction of Torgiano. €150-250 for double.

Vega Hotel - Strada di Montalcino, 2/a 06134 Ponte Valleceppi - The hotel is built on two floors and offers 37 comfortable rooms with varying characteristics: apart from the single, twin and double rooms, it also offer very large, family-oriented triple and four-bedded rooms.

Hotel Tirrenus Perugia, 3 stars hotel on the edge of town 3km from the historical centre. Parking, free internet, quick food, international channels tv, english and french speaking staff. Completely renovated in a quiet location. Convenient if you have a vehicle and want to use Perugia as a base for trips around Umbria. - tel +39 07538200 -
Agriturismo la volpe e l'uva - strada comunale san marino 25 ☎ +39 0755899951 - Four kilometers from Perugia.The farmhouse is surrounded by 10 hectares of olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees. Six independent apartments have been restored around the ancient stone house, which goes back to 17th century.

Dimora la Sapienza - Via della Sapienza 11, Perugia downtown ☎ +39 3391211070 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 10:00 Dimora la Sapienza is a two rental houses properties complex, in the centre of medieval town. Carefully restored, with fantastic facilities.

Hotel Signa - Via del Grillo 9 43.104776, 12.3924972 off Corso Cavour ☎ +39 075 5724180 - €60-80 for a double - Quiet and affordable 23-room hotel, a 15-minutes walk from Corso Vannucci. Avoid staying in the "Annex", particularly in the summer when you will want the window open, as it is on the noisy Corso Cavour.

Hotel Brufani Palace - Piazza Italia 12 Right in the center of town ☎ +39 0755 732541 - €100-500+ for room or suite - Upmarket hotel where all the top jazz musicians stay during the festival.

Hotel La Rosetta - Piazza Italia 19 43.10925, 12.38777 right downtown ☎ +39 075 5720841 - €120-240 If you stay during the jazz festival you will run into all the artists. But price-quality ratio a bit disappointing.

Villa Nuba Apartments - Via Strada Eugubina, 70 ☎ +39 075 5725765, +39 338 6872362 (mobile) - Vacation rentals directly by the owners. Salt water swimming pool, barbecue area, garden, parking and Jacuzzi. 15 minutes walking distance to the centre of Perugia.

News & References Perugia

Travel Next

Perugia provides a good base for adventuring central and northern Umbria, including Assisi. You can explore Umbria's medieval towns by day and enjoy Perugia's nighlife by night.