Hotels Perugia, Guesthouses Perugia and Residences Perugia

The regional capital of Umbria, Perugia rises 450 metres above sea level on the top of a sweet hill commanding the Tiber valley. An important artistic and historical city, it has always been a lively cultural centre, since it hosts one of the oldest Universities in Italy, which was founded here in 1300, and the most important University for foreigners.
Its inestimable artistic heritage bears witness to the glorious vicissitudes experienced by the Etruscans, who settled here in the  VI century BC and turned it into a thriving lucumonia. Subsequently transformed into Perusia by Roman rulers, the city achieved utmost splendour during the Middle Ages.

An appreciated holiday destination for tourists from all over the world, it boasts a remarkably wide array of accommodation facilities which are able to suit even the most demanding requirements of those interested in visiting the streets and squares of its beautiful old town. The 3-star hotels of the old town are the ideal accommodation facilities for those interested in walking across the city centre, while those looking for utmost comfort and elegance can take advantage of luxury 4-star hotels. Not to be missed are cheap inns and intimate bed and breakfasts.

The city retains important evidences dating back to two important historical periods. Among the most representative Etruscan finds are the walls which surround the city centre, impressive entrance gates, such as Porta Marzia and Arco d’Augusto, and the so-called Hypogeum of the Volumni family, an imposing chamber tomb.
Appointed free City Republic in the XI century, Perugia was embellished by outstanding monuments and buildings, such as the churches of St. Pietro and St. Francesco, the Duomo, Palazzo dei Priori and the renowned Fontana Maggiore overlooking Piazza IV Novembre.
The large Piazza IV Novembre hosts Perugia's most beautiful buildings, such as the above mentioned Palazzo dei Priori, which was realized in the Gothic style between 1293 and 1443. The monumental walls and bristling crenellations of this palace mark it as Umbria's finest public building. Umbria's greatest collection of paintings is displayed here, inside Umbria's National Gallery. In front of it is the monumental Fontana Maggiore, which was realized in the thirtheenth century and decorated with outstanding sculptures by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano. To the rear rises the fifteenth-century Gothic Cathedral, its entrance flanked by red and white marble decorations and an impressive staircase.
The wide and elegant Corso Vannucci, the most important avenue and major gathering place of the city, hosts the so-called Collegio del Cambio, Perugia's former money exchange, which was begun in 1452. Its walls are covered with superlative frescos by Perugino.
Away from Corso Vannucci, just in the heart of Via dei Priori, is one of the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance, the Oratory of St. Bernardino, with a colourful facade by Agostino di Duccio. The adjoining Franciscan monastery is now the seat of the Academy of Art.
Not to be missed is a walk along Via delle Volte, the most fascinating medieval street of the city which is fully encircled by small houses dating back to the thirtheenth and fourtheenth centuries. Beyond the old city walls stands St. Pietro, Perugia's most extravagantly decorated church. Founded in the X century, it is known for the impressive adjoining bell tower realized by Agostino di Duccio. The best features of the fine interior are outstanding paintings by Perugino and Caravaggio.
Permeated with art, history and culture, the city gathers impressive monuments, squares and palaces, as well as absorbing events which attract visitors from all over Italy, such as Umbria Jazz, the most important festival of Jazz music in Italy and one of the most famous worldwide, which takes place here every year in July.
Not to be missed is Eurochocolate, the festival of chocolate which takes place every year in Autumn and makes Perugia the capital of chocolate, while turning the city into a huge lab producing tasty delicacies.