Perugia
Medieval town, full of charm, Perugia is located on top of a hill about 500 meters high. With its narrow streets and winding slopes it offers unexpected views rich in history and wonderful natural landscapes typical of the Umbrian countryside. The city is rich of exhibits remembering its Etruscan origins and the overlap of eras and styles, all readable in the stratification of the historical city center.
Corso Vannucci is the main axis that passes through the old town and is flanked by noble buildings and a maze of narrow streets from which sprout bell towers, churches and old houses still inhabited. The avenue opens onto Piazza IV Novembre, where the splendid Fontana Maggiore stands. In this area are located the main monuments of the city, including the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori with the Sala dei Notari and the National Gallery of Umbria where you can admire, among others, the masterpieces of Piero della Francesca, Beato Angelico and, of course, the paintings by Perugino.
Along with Corso Vannucci, Via Oberdan and Via Maestà delle Volte are the main streets for shopping and culture, counting numerous artisan workshops that offer unique pieces of weaving, painted ceramics, leather and souvenirs.
The city offers fascinating insights for food and wine lovers too: tasteful local specialties can be found in the many restaurants of the city center offering a wide variety of meats and cheeses; to be tried the "torta al testo" and pasta dishes with mushrooms and truffles.
In Perugia you can also discover the typical D.O.C. wines produced by the major Umbrian wineries such as Colli Perugini, Sagrantino di Montefalco and the Red of Torgiano.
Witness of the multicultural atmosphere of the city is certainly the University for Foreigners and the famous events that animate both the winter and the summer season, attracting a huge number of visitors, including chocolate and jazz lovers. October and July are the months dedicated respectively to Eurochocolate and Umbria Jazz Festival, two events that turn the city into a stage for performances and exhibitions for everyone.
GETTING AROUND IN Perugia
Perugia is a city to explore on foot: it might seem difficult to roam the streets of a city wavering between flat and uphill, but the relatively small size and the wonder of being able to appreciate the richness of the historical center in every nuance pay for the effort.
Being the city center mostly a pedestrian area and partially a restricted traffic zone, who arrives by car has to leave it in one of the many paid parking lots, close to the walls.
The bus service provided by the APM (http://www.umbriamobilita.it) allows you to move easily between the remote areas and downtown. The ticket (70 minutes) costs 1.50 € (2 € if bought on board). It 'also possible to buy a day ticket for 24 hours at a price of 5.40 €.
There is also a taxi service, with parkings at the railway station Fontiveggie, Corso Vannucci, Piazza Italia and Largo Cacciatori delle Alpi.
If you want to experience a different kind of transport take a ride in minimetrò: a hybrid between a tourist and a public service linking Pian di Massiano to Pincetto center, giving the opportunity to get in the heart of Perugia in a short time. Consider, however, that service closes at 21:20 from Monday to Saturday and 20.30 on holidays.
Other typical transports are the escalators starting from Piazza Partigiani, going through the Rocca Paolina and arriving to Corso Vannucci.
The main towns nearby are connected by the regional railway line (from the station of Perugia Fontivegge) and by private bus companies such as Sulga. To reach rural locations and smaller villages is however necessary to use a private vehicle.
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