🍫 Discover Perugia: Italy’s Hidden Gem in the Heart of Umbria

If you're dreaming of Italy without the crowds, put Perugia at the top of your list. Tucked away in the rolling green hills of Umbria, this medieval hilltop city serves up Renaissance art, ancient history, cobblestone charm — and yes, some of the best chocolate in Europe.

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🗺️ Where is Perugia?

Perugia is the capital of Umbria, located right between Florence and Rome. It’s a true underrated gem — quieter than Tuscany but just as rich in culture, food, and unforgettable views.

📍 Region: Umbria
📍 Nearest Airport: Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi (PEG)
📍 Great for: Art lovers, history buffs, foodies, slow travelers

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🌟 Top Things to Do in Perugia

🏰 1. Stroll Through the Historic Center

Start in Piazza IV Novembre, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. Admire the Fontana Maggiore, Palazzo dei Priori, and the impressive Perugia Cathedral.

🖼️ 2. Visit the National Gallery of Umbria

Inside the Palazzo dei Priori, this gallery houses masterpieces by Perugino (Raphael’s teacher), Pinturicchio, and other Umbrian legends.

🍫 3. Dive into Chocolate Heaven

Perugia is home to Perugina, maker of the famous Baci chocolates.

🍫 Don’t miss:

• Casa del Cioccolato Perugina – museum, factory tour, chocolate tastings

• Eurochocolate Festival – held every October, one of Europe’s biggest chocolate events!

🏛️ 4. Explore Rocca Paolina

A fortress from the 16th century hiding a secret: an entire underground city. Walk through tunnels, ancient streets, and mysterious arches.

📚 5. Experience Student Life

Thanks to its prestigious University for Foreigners, Perugia has a vibrant, international vibe. Expect indie bookstores, cafes, and language exchange nights.

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🍝 What to Eat in Perugia

Umbria’s cuisine is earthy, simple, and soul-satisfying. Don’t leave without trying:

• Truffle pasta (tagliolini al tartufo) – especially in fall

• Torta al testo – flatbread sandwich stuffed with sausage or greens

• Strangozzi – thick hand-rolled pasta

• Sagrantino wine – bold red from nearby Montefalco

✨ Insider tip: Visit a truffle farm just outside the city for a truffle hunt and rustic lunch.

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📸 Best Views in Perugia

• Giardini Carducci – sweeping views of the Umbrian valley

• Scaletta di Sant’Ercolano – steps leading to breathtaking lookouts

• Via dell’Acquedotto – a scenic walk over an ancient Roman aqueduct

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🛌 Where to Stay

Perugia offers everything from boutique hotels to countryside agriturismi:

🏨 Hotel Locanda della Posta – stylish, central
🌿 Castello di Monterone – a castle hotel with medieval vibes
🏡 Agriturismo La Collina – peaceful countryside with home-cooked meals

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📅 When to Visit Perugia

• Spring (April–June) – best weather and blooming hills

• Fall (September–October) – truffle season + Eurochocolate

• Summer – lively with festivals but warmer

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🚗 Getting There

• By Train: Direct routes from Rome, Florence, and Assisi

• By Car: Perfect for road tripping Umbria

• By Air: Fly into Perugia (PEG) or nearby Florence/Rome and drive

• 🌟 Even More Interesting Info About Perugia

  🏛️ Perugia Was Once at War… With the Pope!

  In the 16th century, Perugia rebelled against the Papal States — and lost. Pope Paul III had Rocca Paolina built to assert dominance… and demolished over 100 homes to do it. Today, you can walk through the ruins of that destroyed neighborhood beneath the fortress!

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  🎨 Raphael & Perugino Walked These Streets

  Pietro Perugino, the Renaissance master and Raphael’s mentor, was born near Perugia. His art is everywhere — including the National Gallery of Umbria, and tiny churches hidden around town.
  🖼️ Insider tip: Hunt for frescoes off the beaten path in places like the Oratory of San Bernardino.

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  🍷 It’s at the Heart of Umbria’s Wine Region

  Just outside Perugia are some of Italy’s most underrated vineyards. Take a day trip to Montefalco or Torgiano to sip Sagrantino — a bold, full-bodied red wine made only in Umbria.

  🥂 Try a tasting at:

  • Lungarotti Winery (Torgiano)

  • Arnaldo Caprai (Montefalco)

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  📜 The University for Foreigners is 100+ Years Old

  Università per Stranieri di Perugia has welcomed language learners from around the world since 1921. Today, it makes Perugia a true melting pot of global cultures — all in a medieval Italian setting.

  💬 You’ll hear Italian, English, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish spoken in the same piazza!

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  🎭 Jazz, Truffles, and Chocolate Festivals? Yes, Please!

  Perugia throws some of the coolest festivals in Italy:

  • Umbria Jazz Festival (July): One of Europe’s top jazz festivals — past acts include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Krall

  • Eurochocolate Festival (October): Pure cocoa heaven — chocolate sculptures, tastings, live demos

  • Truffle Festivals (Autumn): Towns around Perugia host rustic food fests focused on black truffles

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  🚶 The Ancient Aqueduct is Now a Walking Path

  The Via dell’Acquedotto was a 13th-century aqueduct, but today it’s a scenic pedestrian route that floats above the city on massive arches. Locals walk their dogs here; you’ll feel like you’re walking through a movie set.

  📸 Perfect for golden-hour photos — especially in spring or fall.

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  🧛 A Vampire Legend? Yes, Really.

  Legend has it that a noblewoman in medieval Perugia was accused of being a vampire. Locals feared she drank the blood of children (yes, seriously). Her ghost is still said to haunt parts of the old city at night…

  🧟 If you’re into dark tourism, take a Perugia by Night tour to explore its eerie legends.

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  🧑‍🎨 Cool Creative Side: Street Art in a Medieval Town

  You’d expect frescoes — but modern street art also lives in Perugia. Look in neighborhoods like Via della Viola and Borgo Bello for colorful murals, quirky installations, and student-led art projects.

  🎨 It’s a fun contrast to the city’s ancient architecture.

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✈️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with Perugia

Perugia is where old-world elegance meets youthful energy. You can sip espresso in a Renaissance piazza, hike Roman aqueducts, tour medieval tunnels, and end your day with handmade chocolate.