Perugia’s Hidden Stories: A Guide to the Ancient City

Perugia’s strategic position made it a coveted prize for Etruscans, Romans, Byzantines and, ultimately, the Papal States.

On this walking tour around Umbria’s capital, you’ll explore the captivating layers of the city’s 2,500-year history, from an ancient Etruscan settlement to a powerful medieval commune.

The tour starts at the impressive Etruscan Arch near the University for Foreigners of Perugia. You’ll make your way into the historic center, taking Via dell’Acquedotto, a medieval walkway set on top of a medieval Roman aqueduct that was built in the mid-1200s. As you wind through narrow alleys and picturesque squares, you’ll hear stories about fascinating historical characters – from the mercenary captain Braccio Fortebraccio who rose to power, to the artists Perugino and Pinturicchio, who left their artistic mark on central Italy.

While avoiding the main tourist trails, you’ll venture to Piazza IV Novembre, home to the imposing Palazzo dei Priori, the city palace where civil and religious powers faced off for centuries. You’ll stroll along Corso Vannucci, Perugia’s elegant main boulevard, before discovering the remnants of the Rocca Paolina fortress, a symbol of papal domination that was partially demolished after Italian unification.

Before ending the tour at the magnificent Convent of San Domenico, you’ll have a chance to:

• Discover how the wedding ring of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary became one of Perugia’s most curious religious relics
• Learn about the city’s deep connection to chocolate, and hear the story behind Bacio Perugina, the famous chocolate that was originally called “Cazzotto” (meaning ‘punch’)
• Admire Fontana Maggiore, a medieval fountain with 50 relief panels depicting biblical stories, zodiac signs, Aesop’s fables, and historical scenes
• Understand the centuries-old rivalry between Perugia and Assisi, and how it eventually transformed into an annual peace march
• See Studio Moretti Caselli, the family-owned workshop of renowned stained glass makers who have preserved their craft for generations

By the end of this 75-minute walk, you’ll have a better understanding of how power, faith and art converge in Umbria’s capital.