Perugia is the capital of the region of Umbria, and it is a city with a long history. Perugia dates to the Etruscans and was historically one of the most important cities of the Etruscan civilization. The Etruscans were incorporated into the Roman Empire, and then there were times of changing dominion. Throughout the 13th century and until the beginning of the 14th century, Perugia was the seat of the Catholic Church’s conclave, and five popes were elected in the city. Later, the city was ruled by France, the Roman Republic and Austria, before Perugia became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

Today, Perugia’s old town is a charming place for a stroll. The streets are cozy and narrow, and they are like a labyrinth on top of the hill where the city’s history started. In the center is the large square Piazza IV Novembre on the site of the ancient Roman forum. In the middle of the square stands the fountain Fontana Maggiore, which was built 1275-1278. The fountain is today Perugia’s landmark and a masterpiece of its time. In Piazza IV Novembre you can also see the Palazzo dei Priori, which was built in the years 1293-1443 for the city’s municipal government and administration. The mansion is one of the most beautiful of this type in Italy.

It is also on the square that you can visit the city’s cathedral. It was built 1345-1490, but there have been several rebuilds since then. If you go to the southeast, you can see the contemporary church and monastery complex, San Domenico, which defines the city’s skyline with its high tower. In the beautiful buildings, you can visit Umbria’s national archaeological museum, where you can explore finds from the Etruscan period. There are also other churches worth seeing in Perugia, such as San Michele Ancangelo, which was built in the 4th and 5th centuries, and the Templar church of San Bevignate with frescoes from the 13th century.

In Perugia you can also go looking for sights from the time of the Etruscans. They built a 2,900-meter-long wall with eight city gates around the city, and two of these are preserved to this day. It is the large gate to the north, Arco Etrusco, and Porta Marzia to the south. Both gates were built in the 200s BC, and just above Porta Marzia is the elegant Piazza Italia and some good vantage points. From the Etruscan period, you can also see a preserved well from the 2nd century BC, located in the Palazzo Sorbello in Piazza Danti. A little southeast of the city there is an impressive Etruscan tomb at the Palazzone necropolis.